Indian conservationists Barkha Subba (for Himalayan salamander) and Parveen Shaikh (for Indian skimmer) recently won the Whitley Awards 2026, also known as the “Green Oscars,” for their grassroots biodiversity work. This environment and biodiversity topic is important for aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC coaching in Hyderabad, and UPSC online coaching.
About Whitley Awards
• Popularly called the “Green Oscars.”
• Recognises grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South.
• Awarded by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), UK charity.
• Provides £50,000 project funding for one year to scale up local biodiversity solutions.
Himalayan Salamander
• Species: Amphibian resembling a lizard but without scales.
• Distribution: Endemic to Darjeeling (India), Nepal, Bhutan.
• Size & Lifespan: Grows up to 17 cm, lives up to 11 years.
• Breeding: Shows philopatry (returns to natal site to lay eggs), making it vulnerable to habitat changes.
• Cultural Link: Breeding wetlands are culturally revered and tied to local rituals.
• Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable.
Indian Skimmer
• Species: Belongs to genus Rynchops in family Laridae.
• Feeding Style: Flies low over water, “skimming” fish.
• Habitat: Sandy lowland rivers, lakes, marshes.
• Distribution: Found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan; smaller populations in Nepal & Myanmar.
• Key Indian Site: Chambal River.
• Conservation Status: IUCN – Endangered.
Conclusion
The Whitley Awards highlight India’s grassroots conservation leadership, supporting species like the Himalayan salamander and Indian skimmer. These recognitions not only provide funding but also strengthen global awareness of India’s biodiversity challenges.
For aspirants preparing through IAS coaching and civils coaching in Hyderabad, this topic is highly relevant for GS3 Environment, especially species in news and conservation efforts.
This topic is available in detail on our main website.
