The Department of Forensic Science at Usha Martin University, Ranchi, observed National Wildlife Week 2026 through five academic and awareness initiatives aligned with this year’s theme, “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.” Observed across India from 2 to 8 October, Wildlife Week highlights the importance of wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity. As part of the observance, the department curated and submitted a herbarium comprising 417 specimens for the University, Angara campus, as directed by Campus Director Dr. Anil Kumar Mishra. The initiative promoted systematic botanical documentation and appreciation of plant diversity inside the campus.
First-year students of the department curated an insect box, gaining practical exposure to insect diversity and specimen documentation. The activity also highlighted the academic relevance of insects, including their application in forensic entomology.
In another initiative, third-year students conducted a Wildlife forensics and awareness session for junior students and members of the college’s forensic science community. The session introduced participants to wildlife-related offences and the role of forensic science in investigating suspected illegal wildlife trade and other wildlife crimes.
The department also conducted two expert interviews to promote academic engagement and knowledge-sharing. The first featured Mr. Ulhas Gondhali, PhD Scholar in Criminal Justice and Adjunct Lecturer in International Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY), USA. The interaction explored his academic journey, research experiences, and professional insights into wildlife forensics, environmental criminology, wildlife crime, and cyber-enabled wildlife trafficking.
The second interview featured Dr. Anil Kumar Mishra (Retd. Indian Forest Service officer) Campus Director, Usha Martin University, under the title “Uncovering the Wild: Forensic Science and Wildlife Protection in Jharkhand.” The interaction focused on the intersection of forensic science, wildlife protection, and conservation challenges, with particular relevance to Jharkhand.
Through these initiatives, the Department of Forensic Science integrated biodiversity documentation, practical student learning, peer-led awareness, and expert engagement. The activities reflected the relevance of scientific documentation and forensic approaches to wildlife protection while encouraging students to develop a deeper understanding of conservation challenges. The observance reaffirmed the department’s commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary research and environmental awareness, emphasising the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with the broader goal of protecting wildlife and its natural habitats.
