S3|EP27 - Conserving the Hidden Gems of Eastern Ghat with the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society

Join us on this special episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast as we journey deep into one of India’s most overlooked ecological marvels — the Eastern Ghats. Known as a biodiversity hotspot, the Eastern Ghats are a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From rare mammals and elusive reptiles to ancient forests and unique conservation challenges, this episode is your gateway to understanding the conservation of the rich Eastern Ghat biodiversity through the eyes of local conservationist Murthy Kantimahanti, founder of the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society.

What makes the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity so unique? Stretching from Odisha to Tamil Nadu, these ancient, fragmented hill ranges are home to species found nowhere else on earth. Discover the flora and fauna of Eastern Ghat, including endangered animals like the Indian pangolin, the world's smallest wildcat — the rusty spotted cat — and apex predators like leopards and tigers. The region is also one of the few strongholds of the majestic king cobra and rare birds such as the double-banded courser, all thriving amidst a patchwork of dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and sacred groves.

This podcast delves into real-world biodiversity conservation as Murthy discusses his grassroots efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. Hear about community-led efforts tackling human-wildlife conflict, addressing snakebite mitigation, and launching rescue initiatives for pangolins and snakes. The episode showcases how biodiversity management isn’t just about saving wildlife — it’s about fostering ecology-driven coexistence between humans and animals.

As Murthy explains, Eastern Ghats conservation is riddled with landscape-level threats: illegal mining, deforestation, slash-and-burn cultivation (Podu), habitat loss, roadkills, and wildlife trafficking. Yet, despite these challenges, he and his team have launched pioneering programs that document animal presence, conduct training for forest officials, and educate local communities. From camera traps to GIS analysis, their work exemplifies hands-on, scalable conservation.

Learn how fear was transformed into respect through the King Cobra Conservation Program. Discover how hunters were trained into rescuers and how communities now call the society instead of killing snakes. Explore their innovative use of behavior change strategies to reshape perceptions and reduce conflict with animals like elephants, otters, and bears.

Conservation is not about social media pictures or one-time cleanups. As Murthy passionately states, it's about “getting your hands dirty,” building trust with communities, and creating real change. Whether it’s through ecological research, education, or direct action, their work epitomizes what grassroots conservation in a biodiversity hotspot should look like.

If you're passionate about wildlife conservation, regional biodiversity, or curious about lesser-known ecological treasures of India, this is the episode for you. It’s a tribute to the wildlife of the Eastern Ghats — the resilient species, the people protecting them, and the conservation strategies driving change in one of India’s most critical yet under-recognized ecoregions.

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