Indian scientist Parveen Shaikh has been
awarded the Whitley Award 2026
¨
Indian scientist Parveen
Shaikh has been awarded the Whitley Award 2026.
¨
She received the honor
for her work in conserving the endangered Indian Skimmer.
¨
The award is given by the
Whitley Fund for Nature.
¨
The ceremony was held at
the Royal Geographical Society.
¨
The award was presented
by Princess Anne.
¨
This achievement is a
matter of pride for India.
¨
It highlights the
importance of grassroots conservation efforts.
¨
Strengthens India’s role
in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Indian Skimmer: A Rare and Endangered
River Bird
¨
The Indian Skimmer is a
highly unique and endangered bird, distinguished by its bright orange beak and
its distinctive technique of catching fish while skimming across the water's
surface.
Key Highlights
¨
More than 90% of the
global population of this bird is found in India.
¨
Its total population
stands at approximately 3,000 individuals.
¨
They build their nests on
sandbars and islands situated within river channels.
¨ They are extremely sensitive to river flow dynamics and environmental changes.
