Swanand Deshpande
Naturalist and expedition leader, based in Pune. Over fifteen years in the field, six of them resident in central India's tiger reserves.
At a glance
The details
- Role
- Naturalist and expedition leader
- Based
- Pune, Maharashtra
- In the field
- Over fifteen years
- Parks worked
- Kanha · Satpura · Pench · Tadoba
- Also guided
- India and Bhutan
- Previously
- Resident naturalist, Pugdundee Safaris — six years
- Certified
- Wilderness First Responder (ATOAI)
Where he has worked
Six years resident, and the tours since
Swanand has spent over fifteen years in the natural world, leading wildlife expeditions and mentoring photographers in the field. His expertise spans animal behaviour, diverse habitats and responsible travel.
He spent six formative years as a resident naturalist with Pugdundee Safaris, guiding across Kanha, Satpura, Pench and Tadoba, and has since worked with international operators including Naturetrek, Wildlife Worldwide and Nature's Nomad on tours across India and Bhutan.
And what he teaches
He trains the other guides
Swanand has trained bird identification guides in Gujarat and contributed to the Professional Naturalist Training Programme (PRONAT) — the course much of this industry's guiding standard runs through. He also leads wildlife photography workshops and leadership development programmes.
That matters on a safari for a specific reason: a guide who teaches identification for a living is the one who can tell you what called, from where, and whether it was warning about you or about something else.
Elsewhere
In media, and online
- In media
- Condé Nast Traveller
- Online
- Naturalist Diaries — YouTube and social media
Ask about a departure with Swanand
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