Mr Datta Ugaonkar has been working for nature and bird conservation in the NandurMadhameshwar region of Nashik since 1982. He contributed to the movement that led to NandurMadhameshwar being declared a sanctuary. In the 13 villages and schools in the sanctuary premises, he currently conducts slide shows and competitions to promote awareness on the conservation of environment. He has written for many magazines and newspapers. By getting the authorities to ban the hunting of birds, he has helped conserve native birds of the sanctuary. Since the last 30 years, MrUgaonkar has been conducting an in-depth study, besides making a list of the native birds in the region.