The field ecologist has played a key role in shining the light on the species we love and admire. They have also underlined why conservation should not be just about caring for a few charismatic species-the cats, elephants, whales, or Olive Ridleys. It's also about knowing the value of creatures many of us might consider annoying, even dangerous. For millennia, communities have attempted to protect animals and plants for practical and spiritual reasons. However, for around two centuries or so, an anthropocentric view of the world created an ecological discord of sorts. Utilitarian ideas began to dominate attitudes towards nature, which often meant that even conservation had a strictly commercial purpose.

Modern environmental consciousness is perhaps about six decades old. In India, organisations such as the Bombay Natural History Society date back to the late 19th century and the endeavors of hunters-turned-conservationists played an important role in underlining the value of several species. But systematic efforts in mainstreaming ecology began much later and owed much to the works of pioneers like Salim Ali and M Krishnan.