Indian conservationist Parveen Shaikh received the 2026 Whitley Award for protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer through community-led conservation along the Chambal and Ganga river systems. Best Book for Current Affairs & General Knowledge Preparation
India hosts over 90% of the species’ global population, estimated near 3,000 individuals.
The Whitley Award, popularly called the “Green Oscars,” is presented by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature to grassroots conservation leaders working on biodiversity protection.
Parveen Shaikh works with the Bombay Natural History Society and leads the “Guardians of the Skimmer” initiative. The project trains local communities to monitor nesting colonies and protect riverine habitats.
The Indian Skimmer, scientifically known as Rynchops albicollis, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is recognised for its unique feeding style using a longer lower mandible to skim river surfaces for fish.
The species nests on temporary sandbars and mid-river islands. These fragile habitats face threats from dam-controlled river flows, sand mining, pollution, cattle trampling, stray dogs, and human disturbance.
Shaikh’s conservation programme on the Chambal River improved nest survival rates from 14% to nearly 27%. The local skimmer population increased from around 400 birds in 2017 to nearly 1,000 individuals by 2025.
The award funding will expand conservation work to Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The region faces ecological pressure from fishing, boat traffic, pollution, and large pilgrimage gatherings.
The project will introduce GPS-based nest monitoring, predator-proof fencing, and incentivised local nest guardians. Scientists will also test artificial nesting platforms in vulnerable river stretches.
The Indian Skimmer survives mainly in India and Bangladesh, with limited records from Nepal and Pakistan. Habitat degradation across South Asia has caused major decline in its historical distribution.
Expected Current Affairs Questions for UPSC CDS NDA and AFCAT Written Exam
Q1. The Whitley Award, recently seen in news, is associated with which field?
A. Space Research
B. Wildlife Conservation
C. Climate Finance
D. Public Health
Answer: B. Wildlife Conservation
Explanation: The Whitley Award, called the “Green Oscars,” honours grassroots conservation leaders globally.
Q2. The Indian Skimmer is primarily threatened due to:
A. Glacier Melting
B. Coral Bleaching
C. River Habitat Degradation
D. Desertification
Answer: C. River Habitat Degradation
Explanation: Dam projects, sand mining, pollution, and fluctuating river flows threaten nesting sandbars of the species.
Q3. The Indian Skimmer is scientifically known as:
A. Grus antigone
B. Ardea insignis
C. Rynchops albicollis
D. Houbaropsis bengalensis
Answer: C. Rynchops albicollis
Explanation: The Indian Skimmer is an endangered riverine bird known for its unique skimming feeding behaviour.
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