GUWAHATI: Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a conservation scientist from Assam, has been awarded the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Talukdar received the award on Friday, October 25 at the ongoing 5th IUCN SSC Leaders' Meeting in Abu Dhabi, where approximately 3,000 experts from around the world have convened to address the complex crises of biodiversity and climate change.
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The Assam Chief Minister’s Office posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep appreciation for Talukdar's accomplishments. "HCM Dr @himantabiswa extends his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Bibhab Talukdar, CEO of Aaranyak and Member of the State Board of Wildlife, Assam, on receiving the prestigious Harry Messel Award…HCM commends Dr Talukdar's efforts in bringing Assam's rhino conservation achievements to the global stage."
Talukdar’s extensive career in conservation includes notable work with the IUCN since 1991, progressing to his role as Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group in 2008. His impactful initiatives include facilitating the critical Asian Rhino Range States meetings across Indonesia, India, and Nepal to enhance cooperation in conserving Asian rhino species.
Notably, Talukdar is the founding Secretary General and CEO of Aaranyak, a Guwahati-based research organisation focused on biodiversity conservation in Northeast India. His expertise has been sought internationally, with Indonesian conservation agencies inviting his guidance on protecting the critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. His conservation efforts also extend to Indian initiatives, where he has contributed to the Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 project, successfully translocating 22 wild rhinos to Assam’s Manas National Park.
Talukdar has published over 70 scientific papers and led more than 60 conservation projects. His work has had a substantial impact, including contributions to the *Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in the Eastern Himalayas* between 2002 and 2004.