Renowned conservation biologist Bibhab Kumar Talukdar has been elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS), one of the world’s oldest and most respected scientific societies dedicated to natural history and biological sciences.The honour recognises Talukdar’s decades-long contribution to wildlife conservation, particularly his work to protect the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and preserve biodiversity across Northeast India.Talukdar is the founder Secretary General and Executive Director of Assam-based biodiversity organisation Aaranyak. The recognition was announced by the organisation on Monday, describing it as an important international acknowledgement of his work in conservation.
Founded in 1788, the Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest active biological society. It promotes the study of natural history, evolution and taxonomy, and its Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to these fields. Over the years, the society has counted some of the world’s most celebrated naturalists among its Fellows, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.Talukdar has spent more than 30 years working in biodiversity conservation, with a special focus on protecting the greater one-horned rhinoceros, conserving critical wildlife habitats and strengthening conservation efforts across the biodiversity-rich landscapes of Northeast India.He served as Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s Asian Rhino Specialist Group from 2007 until the end of the 2021-2025 IUCN quadrennium. During his leadership, he played an important role in strengthening rhino conservation programmes, improving habitat management, combating wildlife crime and encouraging community participation in conservation initiatives.
Apart from his latest recognition, Talukdar was named an Ashoka Fellow in 2007 for his work in environmental conservation. In 2024, he received the IUCN SSC Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership, recognising his outstanding leadership in global wildlife conservation.His election as a Fellow of the Linnean Society is widely regarded as a significant milestone, not only for his personal achievements but also for wildlife conservation efforts in Assam and Northeast India. The honour highlights the growing international recognition of conservation work being carried out in the region and underscores the importance of protecting its unique biodiversity for future generations.