Dencin Rons Thampy
- Project name: The distribution, ecology and conservation of the Critically Endangered Nilgiri Mystus (Hemibagrus punctatus) in the Kabini River Basin of Southern Western Ghats, India
- Project site: Kabini River Basin of Southern Western Ghats, India
- EDGE species: Nilgiri Mystus, Hemibagrus punctatus
- Active: 2025 - ongoing
Biography
Dencin is a freshwater biologist and Deputy Director of the Department of Freshwater Sciences at the Centre for Tropical Biodiversity Conservation in Kerala, India. He has previously worked with The Mahseer Trust in the UK and as a research associate with the River Research Centre in Thrissur.
Deeply embedded in the landscapes of the Western Ghats, Dencin is dedicated to the conservation of freshwater ecosystems, particularly those of threatened and endemic fish species. His work combines taxonomy, ecology, and community engagement to address conservation challenges in some of South India’s most biodiverse yet imperilled river basins. With a strong academic background and several peer-reviewed publications, Dencin is now focused on expanding his leadership skills and impact through the EDGE Fellowship.
Through the Fellowship, Dencin aims to strengthen his ability to design and lead effective conservation projects, build capacity within his team, and raise awareness of freshwater species conservation in India — a field that remains underfunded despite its global significance.
EDGE Project
Dencin envisions continuous, high-quality riparian habitats along the River Kabini for both people and wildlife.
His EDGE Fellowship will map the current distribution of Nilgiri Mystus, study the species’ ecology, and identify key threats and spawning habitats. This information will form the foundation for a long-term conservation strategy developed in partnership with local tribal communities, fishers, and government agencies.
