Sanctuary Asia

Sanctuary Asia began its journey one quiet evening in 1980. Sitting around Fateh Singh Rathore’s campfire under the banyan tree outside Jogi Mahal, Ranthambhore, Bittu Sahgal made an impulsive promise to his mentor that on his return to Mumbai he would start a wildlife magazine and galvanise urban Indians in support of the country’s wilds.

The first issue rolled out in October 1981, with no business plan, no editorial experience and no capital. Since then, Sanctuary has been chronicling India’s natural history and shaping conservation discourse without having missed a single issue despite wars, social strife and economic meltdowns. It is published monthly, with every alternate month’s publication dedicated to young readers.

In 2015, the foundation was established to manipulate the magazine’s wide network of conservationists, naturalists, photographers, writers and editors who run the several projects, campaigns and events that thrive under the Sanctuary brand. The foundation’s reach spans policy, advocacy, science, on-ground support for field workers and environmental education.

At the heart of our purpose lies the conviction that the economies of nations sit on a foundation of stable ecosystems. Sanctuary envisions a world with abundant biodiversity, a sustainable climate and an equitable future for one and all.

Volume 42 | Issue 08 | Aug 2022

Archive subscribe

In our cover story, Praveen Gupta and Bittu Sahgal compellingly argue that economic totalitarianism has created vast inequities, damaged the biosphere, and forced humans into conflict with each other and the biosphere. Also explore Kashmir's unique avifaunal diversity, read about the extraordinary discovery of a new bamboo-dwelling bat species in Meghalaya, unpack the Planetary Boundaries framework, and lots more!