Overview

• Radheshyam Bishnoi, a 28-year-old conservationist, died on May 24, 2025, in a vehicle accident while responding to a poaching threat in Rajasthan's Thar Desert.
• Known for his tireless efforts to protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, Bishnoi advocated for underground power lines and built over 100 watering holes for desert wildlife.
• Bishnoi was deeply influenced by the environmental values of the Bishnoi community, which emphasizes the protection of all living beings as a central tenet.
• He worked independently, turning down institutional roles to avoid bureaucracy and maintain focus on his grassroots conservation initiatives.
• The conservation community and local leaders are mourning his loss, recognizing him as a vital force in protecting Rajasthan's fragile ecosystems and inspiring future generations.