Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions.
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
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He rebuilt a species from 66 individuals. And he still says he's never been happy seeing a tiger in a cage. This is what 30+ years inside India's forest service actually looks like.
Dr Sanjay Kumar Shukla, IFS, former Field Director of Kanha Tiger Reserve and Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority of India, joins Some Like It Wild for a conversation that goes everywhere the system doesn't usually let you look.
He talks about the accident that put him in the forest service in the first place — a customs posting he'd already accepted, and a result that arrived on the same day. He walks through the near-extinction and recovery of the hard-ground Barasingha in Kanha — from 3,000 in 1938 down to just 66 by the 1970s, and back to over 1,000 today. He explains why the Blackbuck reintroduction in Kanha didn't work, and admits it plainly: it was driven more by emotion than science.
Then the conversation turns to the questions people are actually arguing about right now — the surge in tiger and leopard deaths in Madhya Pradesh in 2026, whether tourism is measurably stressing tigers according to a recent CSIR study, and Vantara: what it legally is, how animals like 80 hippos from Colombia and rescued big cats from Mexico ended up there, and why the man who helped regulate it still isn't sure capturing conflict leopards is the right call.
This is a rare first-hand account from someone who was inside the room for most of it not analysis from the outside.
[Vantara Jamnagar truth ex CZA Member Secretary Vantara animal numbers cheetah leopard elephant Central Zoo Authority private zoo regulations India Kuno National Park cheetah vs Vantara captive cheetahs Madhya Pradesh tiger deaths wildlife poaching syndicate Barasingha conservation history Kanha National Park Are solar waterholes bad for forest ecology Spix Macaw extinction reintroduction Vantara Germany Wildlife Crime Control Bureau leopard skin seizure MP Some Like It Wild podcast Rohit Varma Nature inFocus Some like it wild]
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ABOUT
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions. What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation? In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
India's Lions Need a New Home NOW: The TRUTH with Dr. Ravi Chellam
Few people know Asiatic lions like Dr. Ravi Chellam. A veteran wildlife biologist, he has spent decades studying and advocating for these majestic big cats. In the second episode of Some Like It Wild, he takes us through the fascinating history of India’s last lions, their conservation struggles, and what needs to be done to secure their future.
But that’s not all—Dr. Chellam also shares his strong views on India’s Cheetah Project. Should cheetahs have been reintroduced? What does it mean for India’s broader conservation priorities? Find out in this deep-dive conversation!
Subscribe for more deep dives into conservation stories with field experts!
India is currently ranked 176th out of 177 countries for environmental performance. One look at the Great Nicobar project explains why: we are trading 130 sq. km of pristine rainforest for "development."
The math of Indian conservation is broken. Currently, a developer pays just ₹10 lakhs to destroy a hectare of the world’s densest forest—that’s less than the price of a mid-range SUV. We are undervaluing our most critical life-support systems while chasing the afforestation"
To understand the scientific reality of India’s forest crisis, watch the full episode with Dr. T R Shankar Raman on "Some Like It Wild" YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
[Great Nicobar transshipment project impact India Environmental Performance Index rank 176 Cost of forest destruction in India Sridhar Raman Nature Conservation Foundation Why mass tree planting fails Ecological restoration vs afforestation Great Nicobar rainforest destruction Western Ghats tree density vs plantations Rohit Varma wildlife podcast Can India save its forests]
India is currently ranked 176th out of 177 countries for environmental performance. One look at the Great Nicobar project explains why: we are trading 130 sq. km of pristine rainforest for "development."
The math of Indian conservation is broken. Currently, a developer pays just ₹10 lakhs to destroy a hectare of the world’s densest forest—that’s less than the price of a mid-range SUV. We are undervaluing our most critical life-support systems while chasing the afforestation"
To understand the scientific reality of India’s forest crisis, watch the full episode with Dr. T R Shankar Raman on "Some Like It Wild" YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
[Great Nicobar transshipment project impact India Environmental Performance Index rank 176 Cost of forest destruction in India Sridhar Raman Nature Conservation Foundation Why mass tree planting fails Ecological restoration vs afforestation Great Nicobar rainforest destruction Western Ghats tree density vs plantations Rohit Varma wildlife podcast Can India save its forests]
In this episode of Some Like It Wild, we sit down with Harsha and Payal — a naturalist couple whose lives have been shaped by the forest. From chance encounters with wildlife to guiding others through some of India’s most spectacular landscapes, their journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
They share thrilling stories from the field, the unique joys and challenges of being naturalists, and reflect on the changing landscape of ecotourism in India. Whether you’re a nature lover, an aspiring naturalist, or just curious about life in the wild, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired.
Join us in this episode as we explore the extraordinary life and philosophy of Dhritiman Mukherjee, an acclaimed wildlife photographer with 27 years of experience.
beyond capturing stunning images, Dhritiman shares tales of climbing volcanoes, diving into caves, and redefining the meaning of 'profit' and 'conservation photography.' He reveals the evolution of his work from simple photography to a passionate pursuit of documenting the truth in nature.
Discover how this "scared guy" who "knows he can do it" has transformed his love for adventure into a life of purpose, challenging conventions and embracing a unique philosophy where happiness trumps financial success.
🎧 Listen in for:
Captivating adventure stories from around the world.
Dhritiman’s unique perspectives on photography and life.
Reflections on scientific integrity and personal responsibility.
A fresh take on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
#hornbills #wildlife #india #arunchalpradesh In this episode of Some Like It Wild, we’re joined by Dr. Aparajita Datta, one of India’s leading wildlife ecologists, known for her pioneering research on hornbills, tropical forests, and community conservation in Arunachal Pradesh. With over 25 years of field experience, Dr. Datta takes us deep into the biodiversity hotspots of Northeast India, sharing rare insights on the interconnected lives of hornbills, indigenous communities, and forests.
From the early days of trekking through remote jungle landscapes in the 1990s to establishing innovative conservation models like the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program, her story is one of passion, resilience, and redefining Indian conservation beyond charismatic megafauna like tigers and leopards.
💡 What to expect in this episode: 1. The secret life of Great Hornbills and their role as seed dispersers 2. Fun Field stories 3. Working with Tribal and local communities 4. How we can help hornbills thrive in India
🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to hear more untold stories from the wild.
Ever wondered how to turn your passion for wildlife photography into a thriving business? In this exclusive episode of "Some Like It Wild," we sit down with the legendary Sudhir Shivaram, a name synonymous with excellence in wildlife photography. But he's not just an award-winning photographer; he's a true entrepreneur who has built an incredible brand and a successful social network around his craft.
Join us as Sudhir Shivaram unpacks his remarkable journey, sharing the untold stories behind his iconic award-winning photographs and the business side of photography that aspiring artists often miss. Discover how he transformed his love for nature photography into a sustainable career, including insights into his renowned photography classes and revenue generation strategies.
This isn't just for photographers! If you're looking to monetize your passion, build a personal brand, or understand the entrepreneurship behind creative fields, Sudhir's candid conversation offers invaluable lessons. He dives into the importance of community building, the role of friends in his success, and the sheer hard work required to become a leader in your industry.
Whether you're a beginner photographer, a seasoned pro, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this is a must-watch (or listen!) episode. Learn from the best how to get shit done in the competitive world of wildlife conservation and digital content creation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Sudhir Shivaram's early journey into wildlife photography.
The pivotal moments that helped him build a strong personal brand.
The practicalities of running a successful photography business.
Insights into his photography classes and revenue streams.
The importance of mentorship and networking (his friends).
Dr. Vidya Athreya on the Myths That Misled India About Leopards
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Vidya Athreya, one of India’s foremost leopard biologists, whose groundbreaking work has redefined how we see these elusive cats, especially in the human-dominated landscapes of India.
🎧 What to expect in this episode:
– Are leopards really man-eaters or just misunderstood?
– How leopards navigate sugarcane fields, city outskirts, villages and even big metropolitan cities like Mumbai
– The remarkable Ajoba story, a leopard’s 125-km journey that captured a nation’s heart
– Why translocating leopards may increase conflict instead of solving it
– The importance of community support in wildlife conservatieon
Dr. Athreya also opens up about her unconventional path from art to ecology, navigating the field as a woman scientist, and her advice for future researchers and policymakers.
This is more than a story about wildlife. It’s a conversation about cohabitation, resilience, and rethinking our relationship with the wild.
This International Tiger Day, we're looking beyond the stripes to tell the story of the man who revolutionized how we see them. In this exclusive episode of "Some Like It Wild," we sit down with the legendary Dr K. Ullas Karanth, the man who pioneered modern wildlife science in India.
But this isn't story about the magnificent cat but a personal journey of the man himself. Dr Karanth walks us through his incredible life, from turning his back on a comfortable engineering career to becoming a farmer just to be closer to the jungle. He shares the unfiltered truth about what Indian forests were really like in the 60s and 70s, a time when hunting meant wildlife was scarce and seeing a tiger was almost rarity.
Whether you're a student of biology or a lover of nature, this conversation offers many lessons on dedication, scientific inquiry, and following your passion against all odds.
in this episode, you'll learn: - Why Dr Karanth walked away from engineering to chase a passion for wildlife. - The stark reality of Indian forests before the Wildlife Protection Act. - How an article by George Schaller set him on a path to change wildlife science in India. - The incredible tale of finding mentors and getting a PhD in the US when no such path existed. - First-hand stories of Nagarhole.
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! For any other queries
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
ABOUT
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions. What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation? In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions.
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions.
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions.
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions.
What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation?
In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
ABOUT Welcome to Some Like It Wild—the podcast that takes you deep into the untold stories of India’s legendary wildlife champions. What drives someone to chase cobras through the Western Ghats? Or spend years tracking big cats? What pivotal moments led them to choose a career in the wild, especially in an era when conservation was barely a conversation? In each episode, we sit down with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and more to hear their unfiltered stories—their struggles, triumphs, and the raw, untold moments that defined their journeys. From near-misses with predators to the evolving challenges of protecting India's biodiversity, this is the story of those legends you've never heard.
