Research

Research

The Himalayan Langur Project is a long-term, collaborative research program examining how humans and wildlife adapt to shared environments across ecological and anthropogenic gradients in the Himalayas.

Human–Wildlife Coexistence & Socio-Ecological Systems

Lead: Dr. Himani Nautiyal

Socio-ecological Drivers of Human Responses to Langurs

Examines how proximity, seasonality, and conservation interventions shape human behavior toward wildlife.

Human–Langur Interactions in Agro-Forest Landscapes

Investigates how land use, resource availability, and seasonal dynamics structure interactions between people and langurs.

Behavioral Responses to Predation Risk in Human-Dominated Systems

Explores how free-ranging dogs and human presence influence langur behavior, sociality, and space use across landscapes.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge & Human Dimensions

Lead: Dr. Himani Nautiyal

Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Use

Documents how local knowledge systems and cultural practices shape interactions with biodiversity and influence conservation outcomes.

Community Engagement & Applied Conservation

Community Education in Mandal Valley

Collective Project. Develops education programs to build local awareness and long-term stewardship.

Community Plantations

Collective Project. Supports habitat restoration through community-led initiatives.

Behavioral & Evolutionary Ecology

Maternal–Offspring Responses to Anthropogenic Activity

PI: Elizabeth Coggeshall. Examines behavioral and physiological responses to human disturbance.

Primate Energetics Across Space

PI: Soumalya Ghorui. Investigates energy use and activity patterns across ecological gradients.

Movement Ecology & Spatial Cognition

Movement Ecology and Spatial Cognition

PI: Virendra Mathur. Explores navigation and space use in complex, human-modified landscapes.

Health, Genetics & Environmental Risk

Genetic, Pollution, and Climatic Risk Assessment

PI: Diganta Mandal. Assesses population vulnerability under environmental change.

Gut Microbial Variation Across Elevations and Anthropogenic Contexts

PI: Elizabeth Coggeshall. Examines how ecological and human factors shape gut microbiomes.

Communication & Social Systems

Bioacoustics and Vocal Communication

PI: Avirup Sinha. Studies vocal behavior across ecological and social contexts.

Critical & Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Understanding Conflict within Environmental Research Practices

PI: Aarjav Chauhan. Examines ethical and structural challenges in conservation research.