BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman is a conservation biologist in Assam, India, where she pioneers conservation efforts for the endangered Greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius). The local communities call the storks Hargila (bone-swallowers) as they are scavengers and often seen feasting on carrion. Through her work to protect Hargila, Purnima has founded a group called the "Hargila Army," which has organized and empowered hundreds of local women as fellow conservationists and community advocates.