We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Ajith Kumar, a distinguished wildlife biologist, mentor, and researcher whose work has profoundly shaped conservation science in India. With decades dedicated to studying small carnivores, primates, and forest ecology, his research provided invaluable insights into India’s rich biodiversity. Beyond his scientific contributions, he was a passionate educator, nurturing generations of conservationists through his role at institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History and the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
Over the years, we had the privilege of working closely with him on several initiatives, benefiting from his vast knowledge, humility, and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. His influence extends far beyond his research, as he inspired and guided countless young biologists, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field. He will be deeply missed, but his work and vision will continue to inspire the conservation community.
Dr. Ajith Kumar will always be remembered as an exceptional mentor to wildlife biologists. His teachings extended beyond the field of wildlife, offering profound lessons on how to live a fulfilling life.
-Aaron Lobo
Marine Programme
In 2021, I had the good fortune of crossing paths with Ajith Sir, a man whose presence I would come to cherish deeply. Before that, I had only known him as a renowned primatologist, admired and revered by many. Little did I know that beyond his professional accolades was a person whose kindness and empathy would leave a mark on anyone lucky enough to spend time with him.
I remember the first time I met him — I was a bit scattered, perhaps nervous in my new role with the wildlife programme at NCBS. But as soon as I started speaking with Ajith Sir, I felt an unexpected sense of ease. He had this remarkable ability to make anyone feel comfortable with just his warmth, kindness, and smile. I couldn’t help but notice his newly dyed hair and moustache, a striking shade of purple-burgundy. The surprise must have shown on my face, and without missing a beat, Ajith Sir noticed it too. We shared a good laugh over it — a light-hearted moment that set the tone for many more to come.
Ajith Sir was not just a great scientist but also a jolly soul with an infectious spirit. He was always ready with a story, always keen to listen — there was never a dull moment around him. What I admired most was his ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and appreciated — something not many people manage so effortlessly.
In remembering him, I find myself grateful for the time I had with him, for his wisdom, natural history snippets and his empathy. Ajith Sir may no longer be with us, but his passion for life and his legacy will live on in those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, even if for a little while.
-Alissa Barnes
Marine Programme
I first met Dr. Ajith Kumar in 2003 while working on the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund project for the Western Ghats. I found his expertise on lion-tailed macaque and other mammalian species and his knowledge of Western Ghats ecosystems very inspiring. He was always warm, kind and approachable to everyone that he worked with.
-Arundhati Das
Rights & Communities Programme
While doing my PhD at SACON on primates, I used to wonder what I was doing in an ornithology institute, which was when my guide told me about Dr. Ajith and the first ever PhD from the SACON under his tutelage, Dr. Umapathy’s work on lion-tailed macaques. Working on primates felt like being a part of a legacy, which made me feel connected with all past research on primates in India, and if a social network was mapped of all that connectedness, Dr. Ajith would be one of the central nodes. However, I thought may be I am the only one who thinks that and all the connectedness and togetherness is just in my mind. I happened to meet Dr. Ajith during a meeting organised by the Association of Indian Primatologists and had amazing interactions during the event. During the conclusion of the event, which gathered even the youngest of primatologists from all corners of the country, Dr. Ajith, took to the microphone and exclaimed, “Is there any other taxa in the country where all researchers gather together?” We all in unison said “No”. I realised I am not the only one who thought all primatology in India is interconnected, and we primatologists, like the primates we study, are a single troop with Dr. Ajith as one of the central individuals rallying us. We primatologists owe it to Dr. Ajith to continue fostering such togetherness and connectedness in future.
-Avadhoot Dilip Velankar
Marine Programme
Dr. Kumar once encouraged us to sample a wild berry growing abundantly along Periyar's trails. Many hours and several hundred grams of fruit later, he backtracked on his ID of the plant, blankly stating "It may be toxic after all". Years later when we reminisced about this, he even retorted in his defense - "Well, you're all still alive!"
-Avik Banerjee
Marine Programme
May his soul rest in peace. Dr. Ajith Kumar was key in enabling a dipstick Wildlife Survey across 8 PA's and CCA's in Nagaland in 2010 with interns from NCBS in collaboration with the Nagaland Forest Department.
He and my late friend Ramki Sreenivasan have contributed so much to wildlife conservation. May his soul rest in peace. God have mercy.
-Bano Haralu
Rights & Communities Programme
Having known Ajith for over two decades, I have been fortunate to have worked closely with him, first when I worked as the Academic Coordinator at the MSc Programme in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, through teaching multiple batches of students at the programme, and when he was my PhD co-advisor.
An excellent mentor to students, an incredible biologist, a dear friend and just someone with whom it was a pleasure to be in the field, Ajith's passing is a great loss to the wildlife research and conservation community in India and elsewhere. However, his legacy will live on in so many ways. Rest in peace, Ajith.
-Devcharan Jathanna
Western Ghats Programme
Some people come into our lives and leave a mark so deep that their departure feels unreal. Ajith Sir was one of those—more than a teacher, he was a mentor, a guide, a friend, and, for so many of us, a constant source of encouragement and warmth. He made our time during our master’s truly unforgettable, shaping not just our learning but also our lives.
So many moments with him have now become cherished memories, ones we hold even closer to our hearts.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him. Ajith Sir, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in the lives you touched. Thank you for everything.
-Dipti Humraskar
Urban Biodiversity Programme
I can't think of the NCBS wildlife ecology course without him. He mentored so many students and others too, bringing science and rationale into the minds of young budding students of wildlife ecology. He was always willing to hear folk out regarding any issue they brought up in consultation. This was true while he was at SACON as well. It got super charged with his involvement at NCBS.
His passing is so sudden and tragic, all of us have lost a friendly gentle human being of good intent, and the wildlife student community a mentor like few others.
-Manish Chandi
Rights & Communities Programme
Ajith was instrumental in mentoring so many students in the field of wildlife and it was always students first for him. He was always pleasant to talk to and laughter followed all our conversations. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
-Vidya Athreya
Director
Ajith Sir was a phenomenon that happens once in a lifetime. His impact on ecology both through his contribution to research and through the generations of students he mentored is unparalleled. Every one of us who got to experience being in the field with him took back at least a little bit of his child-like excitement for trees, primates, animal behaviour and just an enthusiasm for walking miles in India's wilderlands. And he left us doing what he loved most - being in the wild and with students. We are grateful for having had the chance to learn from his experience and will miss his presence everyday.
-Vishnupriya Sankararaman
Western Ghats Programme