S3|EP 34 - Conserving Bonnet Macaques with One Health | Praneetha Monipi | Adhvaya Foundation

The Think Wildlife Podcast

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Praneetha Monipi, founder of the Adhvaya Foundation, a grassroots organization pioneering integrated approaches to wildlife conservation and community welfare. We dive deep into the world of macaque ecology, primate conservation, and the growing challenges of human-primate interactions in India.

Focusing on the bonnet macaque, one of India's most widespread primates, Praneetha shares insights into the complex dynamics of human-macaque conflict—from temple provisioning and habitat degradation to unscientific relocations and emerging health risks. Through the lens of One Health, she illustrates how macaque conservation is intricately tied to wildlife health, human well-being, and biodiversity management.

We explore how Adhvaya Foundation’s work—spanning wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration, community outreach, and youth empowerment—is setting new standards for inclusive and intersectional biodiversity conservation. Praneetha also sheds light on the impacts of provisioning macaques, the consequences for seed dispersal and ecosystem health, and the often-overlooked welfare concerns arising from urban macaque populations

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