Indian conservationists Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh have received the prestigious 2026 Whitley Awards for their significant contributions to wildlife conservation. Barkha Subba, affiliated with the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection in Darjeeling, will lead efforts to protect the Himalayan Salamander, focusing on seven critical breeding sites. She aims to combat habitat loss caused by urbanization, tourism, and invasive species, while promoting sustainable land use among local communities. The Himalayan Salamander, endemic to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, has seen its habitat decline due to climate change and economic pressures on tea plantations. Meanwhile, Parveen Shaikh, a scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society, has been recognized for her 'Guardians of the Skimmer' initiative on the Chambal River. This program has successfully increased the survival rate of Indian Skimmer nests and fostered local stewardship for these birds. With over 90% of Indian Skimmers residing in India, their conservation is vital as river habitats continue to degrade globally. Both conservationists plan to expand their initiatives to other key river sites in India, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect these unique ecosystems.