The initial idea to start an organization like this grew out of our discussions at Duke University and our involvement in AID (Association for India's Development) Duke Chapter. We also monitored the postings of many concerned and committed members on the South Asian Natural History Discussion Group. There was felt a need to start an organization on the lines of AID and ASHA but exclusively committed to biodiversity conservation in India.

Anshuman Chandra completed his undergraduate studies at University of Roorkee,Roorkee, India and joined Duke University as an Electrical Engg. Masters student in VLSI Design and Testing. Right from his childhood, he was very close to nature. He is particularly fond of squirrels as his family used to have them as pets. He would sit in his courtyard with peanuts and would spend whole of his afternoon trying to attract all the squirrels roaming around. As he grew, the TV channels devoted to wildlife played an important role in building his interest in wildlife and the need for it's conservation. Moreover, due to the proximity of places like Dehradun, Haridwar, Chilla etc, he would often get chance to go to these places and feel the nature.

Jagdish Krishnaswamy who received his Ph.D in environmental science from Duke University and is alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. His interest in ecological and wildlife issues started as a school boy in Delhi in the mid-seventies and continued through memberships of Kalpavriksha in Delhi and IIT-Powai wildlife club in Bombay. He recalls with sadness the loss of so many wonderful bits of habitat in his ravaged home city over the years. He is an amateur naturalist and his interests have taken him to many parts of India, Costa Rica and Venezuela. He is particularly interested in the status of many lesser known sanctuaries and reserved forests.