Tejas Thackeray

About

Tejas Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian wildlife researcher, conservationist, and photographer. He is the younger son of Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and the grandson of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena political party. Unlike his father and older brother, Aaditya Thackeray, who are active in politics, Tejas has carved out a unique path dedicated to the natural sciences and wildlife conservation. Thackeray has made significant contributions to the documentation of India's biodiversity, particularly in the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra. He is credited with the discovery of several new species of freshwater crabs, geckos, and fish. In 2016, a new species of freshwater crab was named Gubernatoriana thackerayi in his honor. In 2020, his team discovered a rare, colorful freshwater fish named Schistura hiranyakeshi in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, highlighting the ecological importance of the region. Through the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, Tejas actively funds and supports ecological research and conservation projects across India. His work highlights the delicate balance of ecosystems in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite coming from one of Maharashtra's most influential political dynasties, Tejas remains focused on scientific exploration, species discovery, and environmental advocacy, earning respect from the scientific community both in India and internationally.

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