Leader Online Desk | AJT Johnson: Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh, the country's eminent wildlife biologist and pioneer of wildlife conservation, passed away early today (7th) in Bangalore due to a brief illness.
AGT John Singh was known as a veteran wildlife biologist. He worked as a wildlife biologist across the country. He contributed greatly to wildlife conservation during his career, protecting animals ranging from the dhole (Indian wild dog) to large animals like the Asian elephant, Asian lion, Himalayan ibex, to the Nilgiri tahr and the bear.
Grizzled Kharutai was instrumental in establishing the sanctuary
He was also instrumental in setting up the Grizzled Kharutai Sanctuary in Srivilliputhur by the Tamil Nadu government. After some time this sanctuary came to be known as Srivilliputhur – Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
Started career as a lecturer
John Singh started his career as a zoology lecturer at Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal (ANJA) College in Sivakashi in the early 1970s. “While working in Sivakashi, he used to go for walks in the forests of Rajapalayam and Srivilliputhur. At this time he was doing his PhD in wildlife studies. Along with this he was doing wildlife conservation work in Mudumalai – Bandipur forest. During his tenure as professor at WII Dehradun, John Singh inspired many young forest officers and experts in conservation. John Singh retired in 2005 as the Dean of the Faculty of Wildlife Sciences at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Valuable contribution to wildlife conservation
John Singh was associated with Bombay Natural History Society, Corbett Foundation and Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore. He was also a member of the National Wildlife Board and the Tiger Conservation Authority. John Singh has received many national and international awards for his work. Along with this he wrote two books. He published more than 70 scientific papers and 80 articles in wildlife conservation. Also contributed to the training of over 300 wildlife managers, 50 MSC wildlife science students. 10 students obtained PhD under John Singh's guidance.
