A heralded wildlife ecologist Dr. Latika Nath is widely known as "The Tiger Princess" for her extensive work in tiger conservation. She collaborates with wildlife experts from around the world, documenting wildlife while actively advocating for their protection. Her YouTube series ‘The Big Cats: The Inside Story’ is a landmark effort in the field.

Dr. Latika Nath, a distinguished Conservationist and Wildlife Photographer, has been a pioneering force in the field of Wildlife Conservation. As an independent consultant, she has dedicated her life to preserving and protecting biodiversity across the globe.

Dr. Latika Nath has created a name for herself in wildlife conservation and many know her as ‘The Tiger Princess’. She has done in-depth research on Tiger conservation and worked closely with wildlife experts and ecologists across the globe. She is known for her work in wildlife conservation and also for wildlife photography.

Combining scientific research with advocacy and photography, Dr. Latika Nath has worked tirelessly to advance conservation efforts, raising awareness about endangered species and their habitats. Her work continues to inspire and drive global efforts in wildlife preservation.

Ecologist Dr. Latika has produced a YouTube series called ‘The Big Cats: The Inside Story’. For this project, she consulted with nine of her friends from different countries, discussing big cat conservation. These discussions expanded to include 35 experts, including conservation scientists, tourism professionals, filmmakers, and policymakers. Through these conversations, she discovered that the core conservation issues were the same across the world. She highlights that there are good people and greedy people everywhere, and it is only through travel and exposure that one truly grasps the scale of these challenges.

Dr. Latika Nath is also a talented writer who shares her experiences of meeting animals and exploring nature. Along with being a conservationist and photographer, she is an Animal Communicator, something some may see with skepticism, but she believes in it strongly. She loves spending time in the wild, connecting with animals, forests, and mountains. She says these experiences leave a deep impact on her mind and soul. For her, being around trees, walking through forests, or standing in the mountains isn’t just a moment, it’s a powerful experience that can change a person.

Reflecting on her achievements, Dr. Latika Nath highlights that she has only just begun and still has much more to achieve. She believes that with more support and backing, she could contribute even more to conservation efforts in India. She continues to seek a platform and government support that would allow her to raise awareness and share her insights on a larger scale.

She sees this as just the beginning, emphasizing that with time and experience, people are beginning to understand the true scale of the challenges in wildlife conservation. For her, one of the greatest achievements is when people seek her out to learn from her experiences and knowledge. She takes immense pride in the fact that she has built her career independently—through her own hard work and dedication, not because of any family privileges. This recognition, she says, is a validation of her honesty and commitment to her work.

Born in Delhi at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Nath grew up in an environment deeply connected to both Medicine and Conservation. Her father, a renowned doctor, served as the Director of AIIMS before retiring. He later became an advisor to the Government of India on wildlife conservation, contributing significantly to policy and preservation efforts. A close associate of former PM Indira Gandhi, he served as the Secretary of the Wildlife Board during her tenure as its head, dedicating 19 years to shaping India’s wildlife policies.

Growing up surrounded by doctors and conservationists, Dr. Nath developed a deep fascination for nature. As an only child, she spent much of her time playing with animals, forming a strong bond with wildlife. This early connection with nature inspired her to pursue a career in Ecology from a young age, setting the foundation for her future as a leading conservationist.

Dr. Latika Nath’s family roots trace back to Kashmir, where her grandparents lived. She always longed to explore the region’s rich biodiversity and spend time in its national parks. However, due to terrorist attacks, including one on their home, her family was forced to leave the region.

After moving away from Kashmir, Dr. Latika sought new opportunities, leading her to Dr. H.S. Panwar, the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India. Recognizing her passion and determination, he presented her with a challenge: to take up a research contract on tigers, a field where few had dared to venture. "No one has successfully studied tigers or taken up this challenge. Are you up for it?" he asked. Without hesitation, Dr. Latika accepted and went on to succeed in groundbreaking tiger research.

Dr. Latika Nath describes her path as incredibly tough, as wildlife conservation was a predominantly male-dominated field at the time. She had to stand her ground against powerful individuals who resisted change, and as one of the few women in the field, she faced constant challenges. However, she refused to give up, working with unwavering dedication. More than just a researcher, she wanted to be recognized as a scientist unafraid to ask difficult questions, even if they made people uncomfortable.

Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Latika Nath further describes the major resistance she faced while challenging the traditional system of counting tigers. In her thesis, written between 1996 and 2000, she questioned the effectiveness of the techniques used for tiger census. She argued for the use of camera traps, but in a way that differed from conventional methods. Dr. Latika pointed out that there was no standardized formula to calculate tiger populations across different landscapes since each environment was unique. These observations unsettled many in the field.

She further reveals that policymakers and decision-makers were not ready to acknowledge the flaws in the system or take necessary action. Her work was overlooked by those in power, and for years, her recommendations were not acknowledged. However, two decades later, nearly every suggestion she made in her thesis has been implemented. She laments that if these ideas had been adopted earlier, they could have significantly altered the course of tiger conservation in India.

Dr. Latika Nath initially chose to work as a private consultant rather than for the government, as many people did not want her to raise her voice and prevented her from questioning the system. Instead of engaging in constant battles, she redirected her energy toward more meaningful work. Rather than aligning with large organizations, she quietly focused on fieldwork, collaborating with tribal and local communities, whom she considers the true protector of wildlife.  Determined to make a difference on her own terms, Dr. Nath built her career independently, without the backing of any major institution.

At the same time, Dr. Latika Nath recognized the importance of aligning tourism with wildlife conservation. This realization led her to establish a wildlife lodge, an endeavor she describes as a fantastic story in itself. Through this initiative, Dr. Nath successfully bridged the gap between scientific research, national parks, and the tourism industry, fostering a deeper connection between conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.

Along with her professional life, Dr. Latika Nath began sharing her images and photographs, which quickly gained appreciation from people. Over time, she transitioned into professional wildlife photography, emphasizing that every image she captures holds a deep meaning and tells a unique story. Wildlife Photographer Dr. Latika further shares that she believes this storytelling aspect is what sets wildlife photography apart from regular photography, making it a powerful tool for conservation and awareness.

Conservation Ecologist Dr. Latika Nath recalls a life-changing moment when she once interacted with an elephant. She describes elephants as the wisest, most amazing, and caring creatures in the world. Over the years, she has worked closely with both elephants and tigers, forming a deep emotional connection with them, which she considers very special.

More recently, she swam with whale sharks in the Pacific Ocean and worked with wild dogs in Kenya. She describes these experiences as truly wonderful. One unforgettable moment she shares is when a pack of wild dogs protected her from an approaching elephant, preventing it from walking over her. These encounters, she says, have left a lasting impact on her and continue to inspire her work in wildlife conservation.

Dr. Latika Nath shares that through her travels around the world, she realized that the problems, challenges, and even people are quite similar everywhere. The key difference, she explains, lies in leadership. While the fundamental values of people remain the same, it is the government and political leadership that shape their perspectives on conservation. Dr. Latika illustrates this with the example of Bhutan, where the government has successfully guided its people toward a more sustainable way of life.

Wildlife Expert Dr. Latika Nath advises aspiring conservationists to find the right mentor. She emphasizes that working with people who are insecure about their own abilities can lead to resentment, which may ultimately hinder your growth. To succeed, Dr. Latika encourages individuals to seek mentors they truly respect and can learn from.

Dr. Latika also highlights the importance of independent thinking. Rather than blindly following advice or opinions, she urges young professionals to conduct their own research, explore different perspectives, and find their own path.

Further reflecting on her own experience and challenges, Dr. Latika Nath shares that throughout her years of experience, there were times when people tried to malign her, which deeply affected and changed her life. However, she realized the importance of working with the right people when she had the opportunity to work under Prof. Dr. David Macdonald at Oxford. This experience reinforced the value of a supportive and knowledgeable mentor.

Dr. Latika Nath highlights this as one of the most important lessons for aspiring conservationists and the younger generation: finding the right mentor can make all the difference in one’s career and professional growth. She further emphasizes that one should never compromise on personal principles and ethics. She believes it is essential to stay true to oneself and one's beliefs, especially in the field of science.

She encourages aspiring conservationists to never be afraid to ask questions, as questioning is the key to discovering answers. According to Dr. Latika, those who dare to challenge the status quo and seek the truth are the ones who drive meaningful change.

Advising the young aspirants, Dr. Latika Nath underlines that a career in Wildlife Conservation, Research and Photography are not fields where one can easily make a lot of money. She advises new aspirants to have alternative sources of income, especially in the early years of their careers.

Wildlife Conservationist and Ecologist Dr. Latika Nath acknowledges that only a few individuals are fortunate enough to secure opportunities that provide a stable monthly salary. However, she emphasizes that this work is not just a profession, it is driven by deep compassion and passion for wildlife and nature. True success in this field comes from dedication rather than financial gain.

Dr. Latika Nath further explains that there are limited employment opportunities in wildlife conservation, both in government and private sectors. She advises aspiring conservationists to pursue this field alongside other work, regardless of what others may say.  She also shares that the true rewards in this field are the experiences, photographs, and knowledge gained. Over time, as one builds expertise and credibility, financial opportunities naturally follow.

When asked about her role models, Dr. Latika Nath expresses deep gratitude toward her role models, acknowledging her father as her first and biggest inspiration. She highlights his significant influence in shaping her passion for wildlife and ecology. Dr. Latika  also credits her maternal grandmother and grandfather for motivating her and instilling in her the value of perseverance. Their unwavering support taught her to never give up, a lesson that has been a guiding force throughout her career.

She further shares that she also draws inspiration from renowned figures in wildlife conservation, such as Dr. Jain, Dr. Dian Fossey, and Fateh Singh Rathore, as well as professionals working in the field, including teams from BBC and National Geographic. Their dedication to wildlife conservation continues to motivate her.

Dr. Latika Nath also mentions that several books have influenced her professional life, including works by General Douglas, Dr. Dolittle, and other classic animal literature. These books played a significant role in shaping her passion and perspective on wildlife.

Dr. Latika Nath further shares her deep love for animals and nature. She has three dogs and two cats at home and has also installed bird feeders, sparrow nests, and spaces for honeybees to thrive. Beyond her work in conservation, she enjoys designing and has a passion for interior design. She is also a skilled photographer, capturing not only wildlife but also food and other subjects.

Dr. Latika is also a reader, reading both for pleasure and to find inspiration for her photography. In addition, she used to play the guitar and dance, showcasing her diverse interests and creative spirit.

Wildlife photographer Dr. Latika Nath shares her perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that India faced unprecedented challenges and suffering, which she hopes will never be repeated in future.

Dr. Latika finds motivation in starting each day with gratitude, counting her blessings, and giving thanks to God. Dr. Latika emphasizes that our time on this planet is limited, and while nature provides enough to meet human needs, it cannot sustain human greed. She believes that greed is the root cause of major global issues, including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Nath says that as humans, we must recognize that we are just one of the many creatures created by God and that we do not control everything that happens in the world. Dr. Latika Nath stresses the importance of understanding our role in the web of life and staying within the natural balance we are meant to maintain. She reminds us that we cannot survive without nature, fresh water, and other essential elements of the Earth.

Dr. Latika Nath highlights the urgent need to change our way of life, urging everyone to take small, meaningful steps each day to become better members of this ecosystem and caretakers of our beautiful planet.