A scientist with the Mysore-based Nature Conservation Foundation, Mr Ananda Kumar began his wildlife research trying to understand group dynamics of South Indian monkeys. For over a decade now he has been actively involved in conservation of the Asian elephant. He works with a team of dedicated conservation scientists in the Anamalai Elephant Programme and is involved in initiating an elephant information network in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, plantation companies, and the local residents. Ananda Kumar’s long-term work on elephants in the Anamalai Hills earned him the Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award in 2012 and the Whitley Award in 2015.