Ajith Kumar (biologist)
Indian wildlife biologist and conservationist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ajith Kumar (1952–March 1, 2025)[1] was an Indian wildlife biologist and conservationist[2] well known for his contributions to the ecology and conservation of primates such as the endangered lion-tailed macaque, and small mammals, with a career spanning over four decades of research,[3][4] teaching[5] and conservation.[6] His work contributed significantly to the understanding of rainforest ecology, habitat fragmentation,[7] and species conservation.[8] Along with Ullas Karanth and other collaborators, he was instrumental in establishing a Masters course in wildlife biology and conservation[9][10] at the National Centre for Biological Sciences,[11] serving as the founding course director from its inception in 2004 till 2020.[12] His early field notes and works have been archived[11] in the NCBS Archives initiative, a public collecting centre for the history of science in contemporary India.[11] He served as a member of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group which aims to "promote research on the ecology and conservation of hundreds of primate species".[13]
Ajith Kumar | |
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| Born | 1952 |
| Died | March 1, 2025 (aged 72–73) Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Education | MSc in zoology, University of Kerala; PhD Cambridge University |
| Occupation | Wildlife biology |
| Years active | 1985–2025 |
| Employer(s) | National Centre for Biological Sciences, Wildlife Institute of India, Centre for Wildlife Studies, Wildlife Conservation Society, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History |
| Known for | Wildlife biology |
| Website | https://catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/reposiories/2/resources/17 |