Conservation biology in Northeast India has received a major international tribute with the formal induction of geneticist Udayan Borthakur into the Linnean Society of London as a Fellow (FLS). Dedicated to the documentation and understanding of the natural world, the distinguished British learned institution was established in 1788 and ranks among the globe's oldest continuing scientific bodies. The honor celebrates Borthakur's dedicated journey exceeding twenty years across ecological protection and biodiversity research.
Building Wildlife Genetics Infrastructure in the Region
Borthakur was instrumental in introducing cutting-edge molecular tools to wildlife preservation across the northeastern landscape. In 2008, he founded the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) under the regional conservation organisation Aaranyak, creating a dedicated hub for ecological DNA diagnostics. Before developing this specialized infrastructure in Assam, his academic path included vital research engagements with both the Wildlife Institute of India and the University of Chicago, grounding his work in deep scientific rigor.
Pioneering Non-Invasive Census Methods for Vulnerable Fauna
A substantial portion of Borthakur's research portfolio investigates the genetic health of highly endangered species across vulnerable habitats. His studies encompass iconic regional animals including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, and the critically endangered white-bellied heron. A notable scientific milestone led by his team was the implementation of non-invasive genetic census protocols tailored specifically for wild rhinos. This breakthrough demonstrated how conservationists can accurately monitor population counts and diversity metrics solely through environmental DNA samples, eliminating the need to physically trap, tranquilize, or handle delicate wild animals.
Legal Forensics and Environmental Storytelling
Beyond field monitoring, Borthakur has transformed the judicial fight against poaching in the region. WGL stands as the only specialized facility in the Northeast officially designated by regional authorities under Section 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, for formal wildlife forensic crime testing. The genetic evidence compiled in his lab plays a decisive role in criminal trials against wildlife traffickers. Alongside his laboratory duties, Borthakur works extensively as a documentary filmmaker and nature photographer, translating complex environmental challenges into engaging visual narratives for broader public understanding.
