Who We Are

A commerce graduate with a passion for wildlife, Avinasha transitioned from volunteer to full-time conservationist, specializing in human-wildlife conflict management, crowd control, and alternative livelihoods. With over a decade of experience, he also consults on natural farming and sustainable solutions, promoting harmony between people and wildlife while enhancing community welfare.

Gerard Martin, a Co-founding Trustee with 25 years of reptile conservation and research experience, is a renowned global expert in herpetological research and conservation. He specialises in snakebite management and spearheads pioneering efforts in human-snake conflict mitigation in the country.

Fascinated by reptiles since childhood, Karthik built his academic and professional path around wildlife research and conservation. Holding a Master’s in Environmental Science, he champions science-driven, community-engaged conservation. Experienced in demanding field conditions, he specializes in snake ecology, landscape research, and community-based initiatives promoting coexistence and responsible wildlife stewardship.

With a strong academic background in Zoology and a deep passion for wildlife conservation, she contributes actively to outreach, research, and field-based initiatives at The Liana Trust. Her growing interest in herpetology and involvement in reptile awareness programs reflect her commitment to conservation. She effectively communicates scientific concepts, inspiring communities to understand, value, and protect wildlife.

Holding a M.Sc. in Zoology, Sharanya conducts ecological research and specializes in tracking Russell's Vipers. She has forged close ties with the people of Dakshina Kannada since 2021 by taking up wildlife rescues and awareness programmes. She is committed to resolving human-snake conflict in rural, agricultural areas and is passionate about snakes and reptiles.

Chandini Chhabra, a Montessori teacher and Co-founding Trustee of The Liana Trust, has developed experiential learning curricula in rural schools across India. She established libraries and learning systems in various schools, including two in Rathnapuri village, where the Trust is located.

Hajeira Banu is a dedicated mother of two children and one cat, and an assistant curator at the serpentarium. Passionate about animal welfare, she has a keen eye for detail and is committed to ensuring the well-being of all the creatures in her care. Hajeira finds joy in her work, and looks forward to learning something new every day.

Wearing a smile, Kumar is always willing to help others in whatever way he can. He is a kind-hearted person who works hard while also always spreading happiness. 
He loves animals and expresses that love at work and at home. He keeps a watchful eye on all the animals at the farm and is a diligent cat dad at home.

Sandhya, supported by Sanctuary Nature Foundation's 'Mud on Boots Project' in 2018, focuses on snakebite mitigation through community outreach. She engages with local schools, fostering children's curiosity and promoting sustainable practices within the rural agricultural landscape. She also enjoys crafts, gardening, and other creative pursuits.

Shivaani holds a M.Sc. in Zoology, and was a fellow at RHATC in 2023, where she gained further insight into the practices and realities of wildlife conservation. She is interested in working with reptiles and studying their behaviour, especially in captivity. Shivaani excels at enclosure design, habitat management and provision of enrichment to the reptiles housed at The Liana Trust.

Dhriti has an intuitive understanding of people and spaces and always brings a lot of enthusiasm to her work. She's happiest when she is outdoors and working in nature. Her innate care for the natural world pushes her to engage more with the climate space with the aim of facilitating realistic, meaningful and impactful change in the lives of humans and other fellow living beings. 

Karan is a Bangalore-based technology investor specialising in supporting growth-stage startups. With a strong educational background, he holds a BA in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, equipping him with a diverse skill set to identify and nurture promising ventures.

Lisa specialises in reptile husbandry, behaviour, and captive well-being. Through hands-on experience, she develops and designs improved spaces and practices for reptiles in captivity. Her focus is on studying reptile behavior and creating tested systems for optimal reptile husbandry and care.

Shaizah Tajdar is a wildlife biologist focused on human–wildlife interactions and applied ecology. With experience in field research and community engagement, she works at the intersection of science and conservation practice. Her interests include biodiversity monitoring and generating evidence that supports informed and inclusive conservation decisions.

Thej Thimmaiah is an environmental enthusiast driven by curiosity about life across forests, farms, and urban landscapes. His work bridges nature and technology, combining ecological observation with 3D modelling, rapid prototyping, and automation. He builds tools that solve problems and tell stories, focusing on real-world research exploring environmental and human–wildlife interactions through creative, tech-powered insight.