Barkha Subba's Mission to Save the Himalayan Salamander
A newt dawn: Wknd talks to Whitley awardee Barkha Subba about her fight for salamanders
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Barkha Subba, a conservation biologist from Darjeeling, India, has received the Whitley Award for her efforts to protect the vulnerable Himalayan salamander, a species facing extinction due to habitat loss. With a grant of £50,000 (approximately ₹64 lakh), Subba aims to restore critical wetlands and raise awareness about the salamander's ecological importance.
- 01The Himalayan salamander, found in Darjeeling, eastern Nepal, and western Bhutan, is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with only about 5,000 remaining in the wild in India.
- 02Subba's team has restored two acres of wetlands and plans to restore at least seven more critical habitats with the Whitley Award grant.
- 03Only 20% of the salamander's territory in India is within protected areas, highlighting the need for better habitat management.
- 04Historically, the establishment of protected areas can lead to unintended consequences, as seen in the Jorepokhri sanctuary where salamanders disappeared due to habitat alteration.
- 05Subba emphasizes the importance of reconnecting local communities with their natural landscapes to foster conservation efforts.
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Barkha Subba, a conservation biologist based in Darjeeling, India, has dedicated her career to the protection of the Himalayan salamander, a species that has become increasingly vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change. The salamander, known locally as Goro, is a small amphibian that plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, yet faces significant threats as wetlands shrink. Subba's efforts have garnered her the prestigious Whitley Award, which includes a grant of £50,000 (approximately ₹64 lakh) to support her conservation initiatives. With this funding, she plans to restore critical habitats and raise awareness about the salamander's plight. Her research indicates that only about 5,000 Himalayan salamanders remain in India, and their decline signals broader environmental issues. Subba's work involves not just scientific monitoring but also engaging local communities through workshops and awareness programs to foster a sense of stewardship for these ecosystems. She believes that reconnecting people with their natural heritage is essential for effective conservation. By sharing stories about the salamander and its ecological significance, Subba aims to inspire action and protect the fragile wetlands that sustain this unique species.
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Subba's conservation efforts aim to restore critical wetland habitats, which will benefit not only the Himalayan salamander but also the broader ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and water security.
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