About ECCN

The Early Crocodile Career Network was created with a very clear and simple goal: to connect early career people working with crocodiles in an informal, low-pressure environment.

We want to help connect people working in the same region with others, and create opportunities for discussion and experience sharing. We also want to help connect them with veterans in the field from time to time to provide advice and inspiration.

The network is open to anyone working with crocodylian species in any form, whether it is through research, conservation, or education.

What will be involved?

We want this network to be accessible by making it an interactive, online platform.

Members can share their work for feedback and practice in a friendly setting.

Network with others through speed meetings and other events, and even form collaborations.

Opportunities to be guided and advised, as well as opportunities for experienced members to guide and advise others.

Attend talks and workshops by experienced veterans, young groundbreakers, and other interesting members of the global crocodile community.

Chances to share and identify funding opportunities.

Last, but not least, we want the network to be a fun and interesting way to build knowledge and friends.

We have gone global!

We are happy to share with you that the Early Career Croc Network is global!  After starting as an Asia-focussed network, we expanded to embrace those working with croc all our the world.

Does this sound like it is for you? Then go ahead and fill out this form and we will be in touch. We are looking for members who are keen to be active participants, to meet others online and get the most out of the opportunities.

The Team

Early Career Crocodile Network was founded by Brinky Desai and Phoebe Griffith.

Dr Phoebe Griffith (Co-Chair)

Postdoctoral Researcher, IGB Berlin and Himalayan Nature

My research focuses on the conservation of crocodilians and other freshwater megafauna, with a particular focus on their biocultural diversity, recognizing the various cultural roles of crocs as a key aspect of their conservation.  I am interested in conservation of freshwater biodiversity in all its facets – species, cultural, functional and phylogenetic – especially how we can use different types of diversity in an applied way, to gain public and political support for the conservation of freshwater species and their threatened ecosystems.

For a decade, I have worked with collaborators to understand gharial ecology and to evaluate conservation actions that may support population recovery in Nepal and beyond. Our research integrates a wide range of approaches, including telemetry, direct observation, camera trapping, nest rescue, rear-and-release programs, post-release monitoring, interviews with knowledge holders, and even art-historical analysis. Their work involves long-term cooperation with riverside communities and recognizes the plurality of values that can define conservation. My doctoral research focused on evaluating conservation interventions for gharial in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. I love sharing our research findings, and public engagement with conservation of crocs and freshwaters is a major passion.

Dr Brinky Desai (Co-chair)

Chief Scientist, Mahim Pandhi Wildlife Foundation

I am a wildlife researcher, conservationist, and crocodilian specialist whose work focuses on the ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation of Mugger crocodiles across India. I completed my PhD at Ahmedabad University, where my research explored the ecological adaptation and stress physiology of Mugger crocodile populations living in diverse and human-dominated habitats across Gujarat. My work combines extensive field research, behavioral studies, endocrinology, and emerging technologies such as UAV-based monitoring and biometric identification systems. I am one of the leading voices for Mugger crocodile conservation and research.

As Chief Scientist at the Mahim Pandhi Wildlife Foundation, I lead scientific research, conservation planning, student mentorship, and field initiatives related to crocodilian ecology and human-wildlife coexistence. I have contributed to multiple research papers, conservation publications, and collaborative projects focused on Mugger crocodiles and wetland ecosystems across South Asia.

Lonnie McCaskill (Network Mentor)

Curator of Animal Programs and Assistant Director at the Prospect Park Zoo

Lonnie has been actively working in crocodile conservation since 1997. Throughout his career, Lonnie has worked in the field primarily with crocodilians and Asian turtles (collaborating with WCS since 2004) with in-situ breeding, head starting and reintroduction projects for Siamese, gharial, and other chelonian species. Lonnie has worked in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Lonnie has a list of publications to his name.

He also serves on the Board of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and is Co-Chair for Southeast Asia working extensively in Cambodia, Laos on the conservation of the Siamese Crocodile and Cambodian Royal Terrapin Batagur baska.

Dax Pandhi (Tech Support and Logistics)

Director, Mahim Pandhi Wildlife Foundation

My work is primarily focused on the Mugger crocodiles of an isolated part of India, understanding their ecological and behavioral adaptation to the harsh environment, and their history in this atypical habitat.

I'm passionate about bringing my background in technology into conservation work to make it easier for researchers and students to work with wildlife.