Prof. R. J. Rao is a distinguished Indian zoologist and conservation scientist with an extensive academic and research career spanning over four decades at Jiwaji University, Gwalior. He has served in multiple academic capacities:

• Lecturer – 5 years

• Senior Scale Faculty – 4.6 years

• Reader – 10.9 years

• Professor – 11 years

Throughout his tenure, he has combined teaching excellence with high-impact field research, contributing significantly to wildlife conservation, aquatic ecology, and biodiversity management.

Research Contributions & Publications

Prof. Rao has an exceptional scholarly output with 144 publications, covering areas such as river ecology, freshwater biodiversity, conservation biology, herpetology, and environmental impact analysis.

His research has emphasized:

• Restoration of riverine ecosystems

• Conservation of endangered reptiles (Gharial, freshwater turtles, monitor lizards)

• Biodiversity documentation and ecological assessment

• Human–wildlife interactions and sustainable ecotourism

Major Research Projects Completed

Prof. Rao has successfully led or contributed to numerous state, national, and international research projects funded by UGC, UNDP/GOI, DEC, MPCST, MPBB, and other agencies. Key projects include:

• Biological restoration of the Ganga River (1992–1995)

• Freshwater turtle rehabilitation initiatives

• Conservation assessment of monitor lizards in India

• Biodiversity studies in Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

• All-India coordinated project on Inland Wetlands (2002)

• Long-term monitoring of Gharial populations in Chambal Sanctuary

• Impact studies on ecotourism, sand mining, and species reintroduction

• Research on crocodile conservation and rural livelihoods (2017)

These projects underscore his deep engagement in applied conservation and policy-relevant ecological research.

Honours, Awards & Fellowships

Prof. Rao has been widely recognized for his outstanding scientific and academic contributions. His notable honours include:

• Junior Fellowship, UGC, Government of India

• Senior Fellowship, CSIR, Government of India

• Senior Fellowship, WII, Government of India

• Honorary Wildlife Warden, MP Forest Department

• Member, National Wildlife Board, Government of India

• Best Teacher Award

• Dedicated Vice Chancellor Award

• Peter Drucker Management Excellence Award

These accolades reflect excellence in research, teaching, leadership, and public service.

National and International Professional Memberships

Prof. Rao is actively associated with several premier scientific and conservation bodies.

National Memberships

• National Board for Wildlife

• Worldwide Fund for Nature–India

• Zoo Outreach Organization

• Association of Aquatic Biologists

• Institutional Animal Ethics Committee

• Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Board

• Gwalior District Biodiversity Committee

International Memberships

• IUCN/SSC Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group

• IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group

• IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group

• IUCN/SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group

• IUCN/SSC South Asian Reptile Specialist Group

• Gharial Conservation Alliance

• Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

His memberships highlight global engagement and leadership in wildlife conservation and ecological research.

Eligibility for Lifetime Achievement Award

Prof. R. J. Rao is eminently deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Scientific Laurels for his outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation, ecological research, and higher education over more than four decades. His distinguished career at Jiwaji University—from Lecturer to Professor—reflects his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, while his remarkable body of 144 publications and leadership in nationally significant projects on river restoration, endangered species conservation, wetlands, and biodiversity have had a lasting scientific and policy impact. His prestigious fellowships from UGC, CSIR, and WII, along with honours such as Best Teacher Award, Dedicated Vice Chancellor Award, and recognition by national and international bodies including the National Board for Wildlife and IUCN Specialist Groups, testify to his enduring influence and leadership. Through pioneering field research, mentorship, institution-building, and service to national conservation efforts, Prof. Rao has made transformative contributions that fully justify his selection for this distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.