Text by Pooja Gupta
Naturalist Sathya Chandra Sagar H.S., a.k.a. Sagara was born into a family of agriculturists in Chikmagalur. He has an undying passion for the natural world, and as a young student at Christ University in Bengaluru co-authored a book on urban wildlife. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Ecology at the University of East Anglia, in the United Kingdom on an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
Growing up in the shadow of the Baba Budangiri range in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur district, naturalist Sathya Chandra Sagar H.S. developed a deep attachment to mountains. Photo: Pradeep Hegde
Since when have you been interested in wildlife?
As long as I can remember. My parents tell me that as a child I was fascinated by anything that moved. I was lucky to have the beautiful Baba Budangiri Hills close by, and besides watching natural history documentaries at home, my father would often point out birds’ nests, snakeskin, trees etc. Perhaps this made me a naturalist at heart. Then I met the conservationist and naturalist D.V Girish, who is my mentor.
Which ecosystem or terrain do you enjoy the most?
Mountains. They are linked to my roots and I am amazed by their majestic nature. They make me feel so small and insignificant, yet completely satisfied. The Western Ghats, Himalayas, Alps, Andes, are all amazing, and allow us to see a lot of species. My friends complain that I turn into an emotional, philosophical romantic at the sight of a mountain. When you study an area, you put your heart and soul into it, and in the end you feel like you know the landscape, the species, the culture, the mysteries, and legends. Being a part of that makes me feel contented.
Hiking the Baba Budangiri hills with George B. Schaller, one of the world’s pre-eminent biologists and conservationists, during his 2012 visit to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmagalur. Photo: D V Girish
How do you intend to pursue your passionate interests in ecology?
I would love to study and answer questions related to community ecology and population biology, though I do not want to close my eyes to issues that threaten what I treasure most. Dr. George B. Schaller said, “Science, anyone can do, but true love towards wildlife, it should come from the heart”. I have taken on a responsibility to conserve what I love, but I have no idea of the route I am going to take or which organization I will work with.
Vast areas of the Western Ghats are covered in dense forests. The region is a global biodiversity hotspot containing numerous endangered species of flora and fauna. Photo: Vaishak Rai
If you had the chance to study wildlife in any part the world, where would it be?
Every place on earth. I’ve read about different ecosystems around the world; it would be incredible to study them. Nevertheless, I want to know more about the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.
United States
+1 (425) 454-2113
1756 114th AVE SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
India
+91-11 39585644
IT C-7 KMG Tower
2nd Floor, Sector 67,
SAS Nagar
Mohali – 160062, Punjab
