Vikash Tatayah, Ph.D.

Dr. Vikash Tatayah is the Conservation Director and Assistant Treasurer of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and has been active in conservation for over 28 years. Vikash has spearheaded numerous conservation projects, including the reintroduction of endemic birds and seabirds, captive breeding programs, and habitat restoration across Mauritius, Rodrigues, and surrounding islands. He also played a pivotal role in resolving human-wildlife conflicts, such as the Mauritius Fruit Bat project, was a key figure in the response to the Wakashio oil spill, and championed the proclamation of the Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) as the National Bird of Mauritius.
In addition to his leadership within the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Vikash is the co-chair of the IUCN Mascarene Islands Plant Specialist Group and an elected member of BirdLife’s African and Global Councils. His work includes collaboration with international organizations like BirdLife, IUCN, and Botanical Gardens Conservation International, as well as universities worldwide. Vikash has published over 140 peer-reviewed articles, co-authored books, and recently became an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin University and a member of Colossal Biosciences’ Conservation Advisory Board. He has featured in a very long list of local and international press, news, and documentaries.
Amongst his other interests, Vikash is passionate about history and wildlife, has authored several history articles and books, is a bibliophile, collects shells (only dead ones!), and is an active gardener and loves all music genres, cinema and DIY (carpentry, electricals, plumbing, painting), and tries to spend time with his wife and three children, family, and friends.