Vaishnavi Apte

Biography

I am an early-career researcher, who is passionate about herpetology. I am particularly interested in answering questions that integrate the broad themes of thermal biology and biogeography.
I love to work in the natural landscapes of India and understand and learn about the diverse ecosystems and species across the country.
I have worked on the thermal physiology of a gecko species in an urban setting in India and studied how the species have thermally adapted to the human-made structures in the city. This study highlights the importance of natural spaces even at a microhabitat level.
Currently, I am working on a Critically Endangered, point endemic gecko in the threatened rocky outcrops of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. I have also worked in the Himalayan landscape, contributing towards the population estimation of Snow Leopards.
I am also a volunteer Section Editor for the Indian monthly herpetological newsletter- HerpBuzz.
My other interests include reading fiction, trekking and playing badminton.