Author: Kanishk Walavalkar

Kanishk Walavalkar

Environmental Scientist | Freshwater Ecologist

Primary Beats

• Freshwater Ecology & Trophic Dynamics: Characterizing food webs in nutrient-deficient and dystrophic lake systems; investigating the role of chemosynthetic primary producers in aquatic ecosystems; using stable isotope and fatty acid analysis to trace energy flow through ecosystems.
• Secondary Production in Aquatic Ecosystems: Modeling rates of biomass production by consumer organisms; understanding how energy moves from primary producers through higher trophic levels; quantifying ecosystem productivity in challenging environments.
• Environmental Law & Wetland Protection: Legal frameworks for protecting wetlands in India; Ramsar site designation and management; the intersection of ecological science and environmental regulation; using law as a tool for conservation.
• Science Communication & Nature Writing: Translating complex ecological concepts into engaging narratives for general audiences; connecting environmental science to history, culture, and literature; writing that makes readers care about the natural world.

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I am an environmental scientist specializing in freshwater ecology, trophic dynamics, and secondary production in nutrient-deficient ecosystems. I hold a B.Sc. (Blended) in Environmental Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and am currently pursuing an MRes in Ecology and Environmental Biology at the University of Glasgow. My research focuses on characterizing the food web of Dubh Lochan, a small dystrophic lake near Loch Lomond, investigating how chemosynthetic primary producers drive the system using stable isotope analysis, fatty acid analysis, and stomach content analysis.My academic journey includes diverse research experiences. I have worked on the Dubh Lochan Food Web Study, mapping trophic interactions in a nutrient-deficient lake. Additionally, I contributed to the Andaman Coral Reefs Project, where I used CPCe software to analyze quadrat samples and compiled secondary data on fish species. My research also includes studies on Elasmobranch and Shot-Hole Borer Projects, focusing on population dynamics and the impact of invasive species, as well as Amphibian Ecology Research, where I investigated croaking and amplexing patterns in frogs.I have secured a PhD supervisor at the University of Glasgow, focusing on trophic dynamics and chemosynthetic ecosystems, and I am currently seeking funding to support this work. Alongside my research, I am pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Policy (PGDELP) at NLU Delhi and WWF-India. My work in this area includes researching the legal framework for protecting wetlands in India, with a case study on Ramsar sites.Apart from research, I am passionate about writing and blogging on topics related to environmental science, history, and culture. Some of my notable works include "Ecological Mysteries: From Aristotle to the Sargasso Sea: The Unsolved Mystery of Eels," which explores the enigmatic life cycle of eels. My article "Gypsies of the Skies: The Vanishing Vultures of India" examines the decline of vultures post-1991 economic liberalization. Additionally, "Przewalski's Horse: The Last Wild Survivor" connects the story of this endangered horse to the Dothraki and Genghis Khan. I am also developing the SCENE Research Series, a mini-series highlighting research at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE).My skills and interests span across various domains. In ecological research, I specialize in stable isotope analysis, secondary production modeling, and statistical modeling using R. As a science communicator, I am dedicated to translating complex ecological concepts into engaging content. I also have expertise in environmental law, particularly focusing on wetland protection. My broader academic interests include international relations and political theory, informed by key works of Mearsheimer and Huntington. Additionally, I enjoy wildlife photography, particularly capturing avian and mammalian species.