Nibedita Mukherjee
Research Associate
Education
- M.Sc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from MAHE, 2006 [CGPA: 3.15 out of 4]
- B.Sc in Zoology from University of Calcutta, 2004 [64.38%, Ist Class]
Research Interests
My broad area of interest revolves around plant ecology and conservation related issues. I am specifically interested in restoration ecology of degraded habitats particularly mangroves as they are among the most severely threatened ecosystems worldwide. I am also interested in conservation genetics of endangered species.
Experience
- Genetic variaton of Panthera tigris tigris in Nagarahole and Bandipur using non-invasive techniques: This was my masters thesis work under the guidance of Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, Dr. Shomita Mukherjee and Shri Samba Kumar. I standardised the techniques for extraction and rapid amplification of mitochondrial DNA from faeces of tigers using a novel multiplexing approach. This technique was then widely used to identify tigers and arrive at an understanding of the population genetics of tigers in the protected areas under study.
- Restoration ecology of mangroves: For the past 15 months I have been working on restoration ecology of mangroves in three tsunami-affected states in India. I am currently investigating the constraints to natural regeneration of mangroves both from an ecological and sociological standpoint. I am quantifying the natural regeneration of mangroves in addition to documenting the current vegetation status and threats to mangroves in select study sites distributed across the three states. I have engaged with several stakeholder groups (ranging from Forest Department officials, local Non-Government Organisations to local communities) to understand their perceptions on mangrove restoration. At a much larger scale I'm analysing national and state level policies relevant for mangrove conservation and management. This study will form a baseline for future research on mangroves in India. The ultimate aim of this project is to aid policy makers in designing better conservation and management strategies for mangroves in the study areas.
Affiliations / Positions / Memberships
Memberships
- Guest member in World Association of Soil and Water Conservation [WASWC]
Grants / Awards / Honors
- Best poster award in International Symposium on Integrated Coastal Zone Management held in Arendal, Norway [11th to 14th June, 2007].
- STF and Rhino and Tiger Conservation grant for M.Sc. dissertation on genetic variation of tigers (Rs 98,000) (2005).
- Fellowship from CWS for M.Sc. program of Rs. 2 lakh/year (2004).
- Jagdish Bose National Science Talent Search Scholarship for 3 years B.Sc in basic sciences (2001).
- P. C. Chandra Gold medal for the best all rounder in college (2005).
- Pritilata Memorial Award for the best talent in Literature from College (2004).
Select Publications
- Mukherjee, N., S. Mondal, A. Andheria and U. Ramakrishnan, (2007). "Rapid multiplex PCR based species identification of wild tigers using non-invasive techniques" Conservation Genetics (8): 1465-1470
- Mukherjee, N., and K. Shanker, "Bioshields and ecological restoration in Tsunami-affected areas in India " manuscript accepted in ICZM, Norway Seminar Proceedings (June 2007).
Complete Publications
Reports
- Mukherjee, N., B. Muthuraman, A. Gokul, V. Kapoor, R. Arthur and K. Shanker. 2007. A gap analysis of ecological impact assessments done in the tsunami affected states. In: Report on ecological and social impact assessments post-tsunami in mainland India; Submitted to UNDP. Post-Tsunami Environment Initiative. 31-42 p.
- Mukherjee, N., B. Muthuraman and K. Shanker. 2007. Analysis of post-tsunami coastal plantation initiatives of the Forest Department and non-governmental organisations in Tamil Nadu. In: Report on ecological and social impact assessments post-tsunami in mainland India; Submitted to UNDP. Post-Tsunami Environment Initiative. 73-82 p.
- Muthuraman, B., A. Gokul, N. Mukherjee, K. Shanker and R. Arthur. 2007. An overview of coastal ecosystems and the impact of the December 2004 tsunami on mainland states in India. In: Report on ecological and social impact assessments post-tsunami in mainland India; Submitted to UNDP. Post-Tsunami Environment Initiative. 43-71 p.
Manuscripts in Review
- Mukherjee, N. and K. Shanker, "Review of post tsunami studies in India", in prep.
- Mukherjee, N. and K. Shanker, "Policy note on bioshields in India", in prep.
Thesis
- Mukherjee, N., 2006. "Genetic variaton of Panthera tigris tigris in Nagarahole and Bandipur using non-invasive techniques". Masters dissertation thesis submitted to Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
Meetings / Conferences / Symposiums / Workshops
- Presented a poster on biosheld initiatives in India post tsunami in the International Symposium on Coastal Zone Management, Arendal, Norway (June, 2007)
- Presented a paper in International Seminar on coastal zone management [CIZED, February, 2007] in JNU, New Delhi
- Attended UNDP Restoration Workshop in Chennai, (December, 2006)
Others
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