Indian conservationists Barkha Subba (scientific adviser at the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection) and Parveen Shaikh (scientist at the Bombay Natural History Society) have been awarded the prestigious 2026 Whitley Awards for their impactful conservation work. Subba is dedicated to protecting the Himalayan salamander, an amphibian endemic to eastern Nepal and the Darjeeling region of India, where habitat loss due to urbanization and invasive species poses significant threats. Her project aims to restore critical breeding sites and engage local communities in sustainable practices. Shaikh's initiative, the 'Guardians of the Skimmer,' has successfully increased the nest survival rate of the Indian skimmer from 14% to 27% along the Chambal River, home to over 90% of the global population of this endangered bird. Both conservationists emphasize the urgent need for habitat protection as wetlands continue to disappear globally, with one-fifth projected to be lost by 2050. Their efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation and the interconnectedness of local ecosystems.