ABOUT US
Our Work

OUR VISION
Our vision at Last Wilderness Foundation is an India with a vibrant and eternal natural heritage, which is respected and protected by its people.

OUR MISSION
We have made it our mission to increase awareness about India’s wildlife, its forests and the plight of its tribal populations, to provide assistance to various individuals and organisations (governmental or otherwise) in their battle to conserve its natural heritage and to be actively involved in the sustainable development of the villages and tribal settlements in the peripheries of its forests.
Meet The Team
Nikhil Nagle
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
An avid wildlife photographer, he has been documenting the forests and wildlife of the Indian subcontinent since his first sighting of a tiger in 1997. In 2010, he quit as Head of India Equities at Citigroup Global Markets, to pursue his passion for wildlife conservation. He remains an Equities Trader and Investor by profession.
Vidya Venkatesh
DIRECTOR
Vidya, a Commerce graduate, went on to pursue her true calling after 13 years of corporate career. She has been deeply interested in wildlife and a special interest in butterflies. She has also travelled various parts of India and shares a deep concern for conservation issues and contributes her services for the cause on every given opportunity.
Gaurav Shirodkar
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Gaurav Shirodkar is a naturalist and conservation leader with over 15 years of experience. Inspired by Sanjay Gandhi National Park, he shifted from research to fieldwork and combines biodiversity expertise with public engagement, including theatre. As Deputy Director at Last Wilderness Foundation, he drives conservation initiatives and organisational growth.
Abhishek Singh
PROGRAMME MANAGER
Abhishek Singh is a Biotechnology graduate who transitioned from lab work to wildlife conservation. Over the past six years, he has focused on field research, community-based conservation, and promoting human–wildlife coexistence. Passionate about bridging science with traditional wisdom, he works to make conservation practical, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Crystal Fernandes
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Crystal is a wildlife rehabilitator, a budding naturalist and environmentalist with a Master’s in Environmental Science and Technology. After leaving the corporate sector and a stint in teaching, she found her true passion in conservation. She has diverse experience across wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, programme management, and community engagement, and currently serves as Communications Manager at the Last Wilderness Foundation.
Indrabhan Singh Bundela
REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR
Indrabhan is a Post graduate in History. He carries a strong 10 years of work experience in the field of conservation, especially with the Pardhi Community in Panna. He has also conducted several awareness and education programmes during this tenor. Prior to joining LWF, he was working with WWF-India.
Shyambihari Yadav
FIELD CO-ORDINATOR (KUNO)
Passionate about documenting wildlife through videos and a keen environmental journalist, he lives in a village close to Kuno National Park. He works on implementation of village awareness programmes, addressing conflict situations in villages and reporting wildlife news in a timely manner.
Sonu Verma
FIELD CO-ORDINATOR (KUNO)
Sonu Verma lives in Birpur, a village in Kuno National Park in Sheopur district. His love for the forest and wildlife was instilled while working with WWF. He takes pride in contributing to the conservation of wildlife and is eager to help in any way possible.
Manish Rawat
FIELD CO-ORDINATOR (PANNA)
A teacher by profession before joining LWF, Manish Rawat is as passionate about teaching children as he is about the environment. He was introduced to conservation through environmental awareness program by Panna Tiger Reserve and has been a resource person in the camp for many years.
Nitin Barman
FIELD COORDINATOR (BANDHAVGARH)
Nitin Barman is a dedicated conservationist from Bandhavgarh’s Tala range who has quickly developed expertise in biodiversity and field research. His curiosity, creativity, and commitment make him a valuable member of the team. Outside the field, Nitin channels his observational skills into sketching and enjoys cricket, combining passion with learning.
Himanshu Singh Rathod
FIELD COORDINATOR (gANDHISAGAR)
Himanshu Singh Rathore blends a unique background in hospitality and IT with a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. His adaptability and people skills allow him to engage communities effectively while supporting LWF’s mission. Himanshu balances his fieldwork with recreational interests like cricket and volleyball, bringing energy and dedication to every initiative.
Sandeep Yadav
FIELD COORDINATOR (PANNA)
A passionate nature and wildlife enthusiast, Sandeep has been deeply connected to forests since childhood. Having participated in WWF’s Youth Internship Programme he has spent the past three years conducting fire awareness programs in rural communities. Guided by a strong commitment to conservation, he strives to promote sustainable practices and inspire others to protect the natural world.
Sitalaxmi Nair
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Sitalaxmi is a post graduate in Commerce. With a total work experience of 20 years, she is a hardworking, highly organised & result oriented professional.