Project Interns

I am very thankful to all of research assistants/volunteers who were the important part of conservation of Himalayan landscape and its wildlife

The relief came to me in the form of the 'langur lady', Himani Nautiyal with her langur troops in Dec 2014. I was working in an IT Company at that time and looking for options to work in the field wildlife. SCCS 2014 appeared fruitful in this regard and later, she was kind enough to offer me the volunteering opportunity in her langur project for 3 months. It was a life changing time for me, no exaggeration! Hell lot of things happened to me for the first time. I learned a lot - about ecology, wildlife, langurs, animal behaviour, human and most importantly about LIFE.
She introduced me with leading scientists of this field (Prof. Anindya Sinha, Prof., Mike Huffman) also. Sooner after returning from the field, I got to volunteer in another project because of her reference. And after few days, I got admission in MSc Ecology & EVS in Pondicherry University and my learning of animal behavior in the field, later helped me to device my own study while doing the MSc. Of course, there is a lot to say but to conclude - part of me still resides in those folds of Himalayas of Mandal valley and entire existence of me is and will always be grateful to her. I thank my God for introducing me with her. - Abhijit dey , India, 2015

Volunteering for you was my first and one of the best experience till now and you have inspired me a lot. your hard work and dedication to work is motivating and the most beautiful thing is the passion you have for your Langur troops and the bond you have built with them. The day these folks (troop members) dared extend a hand to you was beautiful to witness. you have not just earned the trust among these folks but also to the mankind. All my best wishes to your flying career and keep up the good work.
- Rimung Tasso, India, 2015

What a wonderful opportunity! As a wildlife biologist, I had the chance to work on different species along the way, but I have to say that the two months I’ve spent working with Himani and the Himalayan langurs was one of the best experience ever! Wonderful landscapes, fascinating study subject and an amazing researcher to work with! Thanks for everything!
- Philippe Berthiaume, Canada, 2015

Primates always fascinated me and the dream of working for their conservation came true through Himani's project. It was an ample learning with her in the field about behaviour study, since she is an expert in decoding the behavioural data of our ancestral friends. Since, this is my first ever project that I undertaken in the Himalayas, I am still glad that I had worked for the conservation of a merely lesser known species.
-Mohammed Ismail, India, 2015

From the first day of work with Himani, as the sun rose over the top of the Himalayan mountains and began to shine on the beautiful Mandal valley, to when we first climbed to meet the langurs on the cliff, I lived an unforgettable scientific, cultural and life-changing experience. When young female subadult, Abhi, came to me, and slowly took my hand, I knew this species was unlike any other I had studied before... I will always remember how extraordinary it felt to be surrounded by the langurs, jumping, playing and grooming all around, as we were studying their feeding habits and social behaviour. I got to know an incredible species that will stay in my heart forever and to meet Himani, who will remain a precious friend. Thanks again for the amazing experience
- Myriam Trottier-Paquet, Canada, 2015

It was a great experience and platform for me to learn behaviour of langurs and of cause behaviour sampling method. Working with you, himani was fantastic, learnt many thinks from you which will be beneficial for me in future. Really you are doing a great job. - Bhaskar Bhandari, India, 2015

It was my first time working in Himalayas , It was awesome , Lots of Learning and Fun :) I can never forget the Mandal Memories , You are a great mentor , A friend :) Today Also I Miss Langur Troop :) Working on their behaviour brought my heart more close to Primates , I started understanding them , I miss birding time with you :) , Cooking Gulab jamun :) it was great Fun :)Would love to work with u in future and May God bless You. - Vikas Verma , India, 2015

Working with Himani on Langurs was a great learning experience for me. She is one of the most dedicated and fearless researchers I have come across. It is difficult to be around her and not get motivated. As for the Langurs, they were full of surprises every day. I have been able to transfer my time in the Himalayan region into engrossing anecdotes for my students while they learn about India's biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Akash Verma, India, 2016

Working in remote part of Himalayan region, altitude upto 3000 m-4000 m above sea-level on virtually unknown Himalayan Grey Langur is one of the dream research project for any researcher in this world and being the part of that project even that on primate species like unknown Himalayan Grey Langur had my dream come true which I use to dream since young age. As an upcoming researcher this project gave me lot of knowledge about field based research which included behaviour study as we collected focal and scan sampling for 4 months and collecting fecal sample of the particular individual for parasite analysis. This project also taught me field experience of vegetation sampling which give you the hands on knowledge of feeding ecology and the biotic impact of cattle grazing.
All these credit goes to the principal investigator of the project Himani Nautiyal, who gave me a chance and this wonderful opportunity to be the part of this project. She was a helpful, genuine and passionate person full of motivation that helped me to learn those field techniques and kept me motivated for those whole months of field works. Joining this project not only helped me to learn those techniques but also met many different young people who were also motivated as I were and those bond that we made during the project is still remained and we help each other. Apart from all those experience I even got a chance to meet academic adviser, Michael Alan Huffman form Kyoto University Japan who came all the way from Japan to help Himani in her project. He was very friendly, down to earth, taught us lot from his experience and he’s still in contact with us. Himani also inspired me to apply for a Nat Geo Young Explorer Grant after she heard about my project in my native place Ziro which lead me to get in contact with Collin A Chapman who’s a reviewer of the National Geographic. Overall the project lead me to a nice and better way as I am better and changed man now since the joining of the project.

-Takhe Bamin, India, 2016

I have worked with Himani from August 2016 till October 2016 in Rudranath, Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary. My experience with Himani was enriching. I had an opportunity to look closely at the rich wildlife of Rudranath and Himani helped me to learn the techniques of taking behavioural data of the langurs as well as appreciate the life in Himalayas.
-Anjana Dey, India, 2016

My name is Camille Testard and I’m a junior researcher in neuroscience at McGill university. I wanted to study primates in their natural habitat and contacted Himani through her supervisor Colin Chapman. She immediately agreed to take me on as a volunteer in her field site in Mandal, a small village in the heart of the Indian Himalayas. I learned a tremendous amount in a very short amount of time on animal behaviour and ecology as Himani puts you up to the challenge right away! She shares her passion for the langurs and pushes us to give our very best in field. The team of volunteer was amazing, the location beautifully surrounded of high Himalayan peaks and, of course, our troop of langur was fascinating! I know this is a lot of superlatives to qualify my experience, but it was actually THAT good. I encourage anyone who is interested in primate behaviour, who enjoys hiking and high elevations AND who is willing to put in hard work to apply to work with Himani. I promise, you will not be disappointed ;) "
-Camille Testard, France, 2017

I volunteered for Himani from August to October 2017 and it was definitely one of the best decisions I have made. As a student interested in understanding why animals do the things they do, volunteering for her was a gateway into the world of animal behaviour. I was able to learn a lot about the behaviour of primates and understand the different methods used for collecting data. Himani’s passion for wildlife and her work is contagious. She’s full of excitement and always has different ideas for research in the future. She is also more than willing to help anyone who is interested and is looking for experience. Mandal is a beautiful village surrounded by mountains. The landscape is like no other and the people are very warm and welcoming. And of course the langurs are absolutely adorable, and are a fascinating species to study. I know for a fact that the memories I made there will always remain close to my heart. (:
-Swapna Lawrence, India, 2017

To say that the time spent in the Mandal valley of Himalayas was enriching, would be an understatement! I am very grateful that Himani gave me an opportunity to work in this beautiful landscape and study one of the most fascinating species of the Himalayan Langur. Just observing the interesting behaviour of the langur troop in their natural habitat will keep you captivated, and their human-like antics will surprise you, and make you laugh, smile and fill you with joy! Most importantly, this experience is complemented with a great deal of learning about primate ecology and behaviour. Himani is not just passionate about her langurs, but also the wonderful village communities that share space with them. Her knowledge combined with her hard work is super
compelling and keeps you motivated to learn and give your best. My love for this amazing landscape, the langurs and, last but not the least, Himani and our entire team has made me visit Mandal twice already! Do not miss a chance to be a part of this adventure of conserving the Himalayan wildlife with Himani, a great mentor and friend.
-Rashmi Singh, India, 2017

My experience in Mandal was an incredible one. We used the same sampling methods day after day, and yet each day was as exciting as the last. Right up until the end of my four-month stay there, the langurs kept surprising me with the things they did. Our team of volunteers were a diverse lot not only in where we came from, but also in our thinking, and I remember us going back each day and speculating on the possible reasons for the langurs’ behaviour or patterns we may have noticed.
By allowing me to volunteer on her project, Himani gave me the opportunity to combine both my love for primates, and my passion for behavioural studies. But she did more than just that: she was determined that we make the most of our stay there, and so on days off, we would go trekking and camping which offered up experiences and breath-taking sceneries that will forever be branded in my memory. She supported us in everything: if we needed advice, she was ready to give it. References? Done. She motivated us and pushed us to do the best we could, but she also tried to make sure we had fun in the process. All the primate species I came across there in Mandal – both monkey and human – will not soon be forgotten. -Diandra Lewis, India, 2017

While working for the project on fuel wood in the Rudranath region, I got this opportunity to work on the behavior of Central Himalayan Languar (Semnopithecus schistaceus) in the beautiful Mandal valley. Mandal is a small village located in the lap of Himalayas with beautiful landscape and surrounded by mountains. Although I worked for a short period of time but in that one month I learned a lot of insights in the behavior of Langurs. Their behavior is very much similar to that of humans. Himani’s passion and commitment for the troop is reflected through the hard work she put in and she is always up for new ideas! Also the team of volunteer and the field assistant was super amazing to work with. Anyone who is interested in primate behavior and ecology, should definitely apply to work with Himani and I am sure that you won’t regret it! I will always cherish those beautiful memories and I hope to visit there again very soon!! :) -Prashant Mahajan, India, 2017

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to work with you. It was my first ever experience of working in Himalaya. Mandal and Ansuya are really beautiful locations and people I met and learned so many things from them. Maithani g, Naati, Kaylie, Veeru, Ashu, Gaurav, Divya G, memories with you are priceless. Theoretically I was little aware of behavior, but after working with you I learnt practically the techniques and field methods. Discussion with you over ecology, scope and future were great and influencing. Documentary sessions were wonderful, you influenced me in every way, after working with
you I just want to be like you- A true Researcher. Will be keen to work with you again.
-Ankit Moun, India, 2018

A mesmerizing experience! Being in close contact with animals to deeply understand their behaviour has been my long-standing interest. I still remember the feeling on the first day when the langur troop accepted me to be in their vicinity. Working in field was just as fun as the cooking sessions that followed. Your dedication level is something I look forward to achieve for my projects in the future. In spite of the challenging landscape of Mandal, it was worth climbing the hills every day and staying there with the troop. I learnt a lot about primate ecology and the on-going discussions with you regarding wildlife and zoos helped me get a broader view in the field. It gave me the push I needed to get into nature conservation and start my masters.
I will always be grateful to you for offering me this life-changing opportunity. :) -Kruttika Bhave, India, 2018

Working with Himani in the western Himalayan ranges has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I still remember the day I arrived in Mandal, I was totally awestruck with the charismatic beauty of that place, and meeting Himani made everything “as good as it gets”. From the very start, I wanted to work with her due to my inclination towards behavior studies, and she gave me this wonderful opportunity to work on the social behavior of Central Himalayan Langurs, even though I did not have any prior experience in this field.
She is a high spirited person, extremely hard working and very modest with her research. She introduced me to the langur troop in early June, and since then for 6 months langurs were my family. Observing their daily activities in such a wonderful surrounding was a blessing throughout this time period. I could learn technicalities of behavioral studies, and all other practical knowledge of working in a challenging field. Identifying each individual was really difficult at first, but her guidance makes it easier eventually. The most rejuvenating were the evening sessions, where Himani gave her insights on the different eye opening researches going on around the world, and inspired us on how each one of us can contribute in our own ways for the conservation of environment. Apart from the work, living in the base camp was fun with the daily cooking and occasional partying sessions. Living in a multicultural group, forming some lifelong bonds with other volunteers, getting to know the local people and meeting extremely knowledgeable field assistants are some other perks of working with her. Overall this experience totally changed my perspective regarding non human primates. Currently, I am an MSc student of Wildlife Institute of India, and I will utilize all these experiences while I do my own fieldwork. P.S: Never miss a chance to work with her -Divya Dwivedi, India, 2018