I am a biologist interested in addressing research questions related to the conservation and sustainable use of nature and natural resources. Although, I have interest in a broad range of conservation issues, my main focus is on generating information and developing methods to support conservation decision-making in tropical freshwater ecosystems. Major research themes include taxonomy, extinction risk and conservation assessments, and small-scale inland fisheries. Much of my work is carried out in the Western Ghats Hotspot, India, an exceptional region of freshwater biodiversity and endemism. I also strive to ensure that my research is a vehicle for policy change at the local, national and global level. In this regard, I am closely involved with the work of the IUCN SSC as the South Asia Co-Chair of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group (FFSG), coordinator of the Freshwater Fish Red List Authority, and as the SSC freshwater representative on the Red List Committee.