| Project Name:
Surveying endangered Blue Whales in the Lakshadweep archipelago |
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| Project Brief:
Blue Whales, once heavily targeted by commercial whaling from the late 19th to mid-20th century, saw their population plummet to a mere 1-2% of pre-whaling numbers. Globally listed as Endangered, the population of Blue Whales in the Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) is still considered Data Deficient by the IUCN, largely due to unclear whaling impacts and the absence of population estimates for the region. Most data in the Indian Ocean comes from passive acoustic monitoring in the southern hemisphere, leaving gaps in understanding their range and distribution in the NIO and Arabian Sea. The NIO region faces significant environmental threats, including the effects of climate change, rising ocean temperatures, more frequent marine heatwaves, and cyclones. Additionally, human activities such as shipping, fishing, and military operations contribute to the risks faced by these marine giants. Despite these challenges, the lack of comprehensive data on their distribution and movement patterns hinders effective conservation strategies. Divya’s proposal aims to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a multi-year passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) project in the Lakshadweep archipelago. This initiative seeks to track and record blue whale vocalisations, determine their seasonal presence, and gain a better understanding of their movements. By gathering and analysing this acoustic data, the project will help identify key areas of Blue Whale activity and the threats they face. The findings will be shared with local authorities and conservation agencies to inform management and protection strategies for the species, ultimately supporting efforts to safeguard blue whales in the region. This project will not only contribute to the scientific understanding of this endangered species but also promote better conservation practices and policies, ensuring the long-term survival of Blue Whales in the northern Indian Ocean. |
Project objectives:
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Highlights from the field:
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This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.