Program
Take a look at the activities, seminars, and more planned for the Charotar Crocodile Count 2026.
Keynote Speaker & Chief Guest
Dr. Steven Platt
Dr. Steven G. Platt is a leading herpetologist and a driving force in reptile conservation across Asia. With over 30 years of field experience, he has helped recover species once thought extinct, including the Burmese Roofed Turtle and Chinese Alligator.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his passion for reptiles led him to earn degrees in wildlife management and zoology, culminating in a PhD on crocodile ecology in Belize. Since then, he has worked across Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and China—combining research with community-based conservation.
Steven has overseen the reintroduction of over 1,000 Burmese Star Tortoises and developed breeding programs for critically endangered turtles. His work on Siamese crocodiles and Southern River Terrapins has become a regional model for conservation.
A recipient of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group’s Castillo Award, Steven has published extensively and mentors young conservationists. Outside the field, he enjoys reading, cycling, and “walking the Earth.”
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Varad Giri
With over 20 years of dedicated research on India’s amphibians and reptiles, Dr. Giri has made significant contributions to the field. His impressive journey includes roles at BNHS and NCBS in Bangalore, where he has published more than 60 scientific papers and an equal number of popular articles in prestigious journals and magazines.
Dr. Giri has described 56 new species of amphibians and reptiles across India, showcasing his expertise and passion for herpetology. For two decades, he has also been actively conducting biodiversity awareness programs to educate the public about the importance of conservation.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, a genus of land snail, three lizard species, and one snake species have been named in his honor.
Event Schedule
| Time | Details | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | Reporting at VNC Office | Vallabh Vidyanagar |
| 13:00 | Move to Vadtal from VNC Office / Allotment of Rooms | Vadtal |
| 14:00 | Move to CHARUSAT University Campus | Vadtal |
| 14:30 to 15:00 | Orientation & Introductions: Ankit Bansal | Changa |
| 15:00 to 15:30 | Session 1: Conservation of Muggers in Charotar region | Changa |
| 15:30 to 16:30 | Session 2: Chief Guest: Steven Platt | Changa |
| 16:30 to 17:00 | Tea & Snacks | Changa |
| 17:00 to 17:30 | Session 3: Dr. Raju Vyas | Changa |
| 17:30 to 18:00 | Session 4: Crocodile population data collection methods by Yashendu Joshi | Changa |
| 18:00 to 19:00 | Team Distribution | Changa |
| 19:00 to 20:00 | Dinner | Changa |
| 20:00 | Move to Vadtal | Changa |
| Time | Details | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 to 08:00 | Breakfast | Changa |
| 08:00 to 16:00 | Field Work (Pack lunch will be provided) | Villages in Charotar |
| 16:30 to 17:00 | Tea & Snacks | Changa |
| 17:00 to 17:30 | Session 1 – Chief Guest: Steven Platt | Changa |
| 17:30 to 18:30 | Session 2 – Speaker TBA | Changa |
| 18:30 to 19:30 | Interactions between Participants and Experts | Changa |
| 19:30 to 20:00 | Dinner | Changa |
| Time | Details | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 to 07:00 | Breakfast | Vadtal |
| 07:00 to 12:30 | Field work | Villages in Charotar |
| 13:00 to 14:00 | Lunch | Changa |
| 14:00 to 14:30 | Talk by Chief Guest: – Steven Platt | Changa |
| 14:30 to 15:00 | Vote of Thanks | Changa |
| 15:00 | Move to Vadtal | Vadtal |
| 15:00 to 16:00 | Drop off at VNC Office | Vallabh Vidyanagar |
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any questions? We got you covered
We welcome everyone with a passion for wildlife and conservation! Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a young nature enthusiast, you can join us. Just make sure you’re ready for an adventure and willing to contribute to our conservation efforts.
It includes full access to all sessions, and covers morning breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks, and dinner throughout the event. The fee includes local transport needed during the fieldwork, a Participant’s Kit with essential materials, and accommodation from 3:00 PM on January 3, 2025, to 1:00 PM on January 5, 2025.
Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have the resources to offer scholarships. Participants are responsible for covering their own registration fees and travel expenses to and from Vallabh Vidyanagar.
No worries! We can accommodate international payments. Please reach out to us directly for assistance with alternative payment methods.
Once you’re successfully registered and the fee is paid, we are unable to accommodate cancellations or issue refunds. We recommend registering only when you’re certain of your participation.
During the Charotar Crocodile Count, participants will stay at a hostel facility in Vadtal. The accommodation includes basic amenities with rooms featuring attached bathrooms and toilets. Rooms are assigned on a triple-occupancy basis and are non-AC. Please note that the hostel does not offer internet access, so if you require a reliable connection, we recommend making your own arrangements.
Sessions will be held at the conference hall of CHARUSAT in Changa. We will provide transport to the fieldwork sites, and all local transport throughout the event will be organized by us. Please be aware that the organizers will make all accommodation placements based on availability, and we are unable to accommodate specific preferences or discuss changes.
We will be serving simple vegetarian meals prepared by the locals throughout the event. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs or preferences. We encourage you to plan accordingly if you have specific dietary requirements.
No, registration fees must be paid in advance to confirm your participation. To streamline the process and ensure your spot, please complete your payment during the registration process. This policy helps us avoid any complications and guarantees your place in the event. Thank you for your understanding.
If you’re experiencing issues, please contact our team right away. We’re here to assist you with any problems and ensure a smooth registration experience.
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