Devjibhai Dhamecha
Devjibhai Dhamecha was a passionate conservationist, nature lover and wildlife photographer. He wished that visitors to the Wild Ass Sanctuary should be able to learn about its unique ecology, responsibly observe the wildlife and connect with nature.
To achieve his dream, he set up the Eco Tour Camp in 2003, near the Wild Ass Sanctuary. He worked with local village architects, craftsmen and construction workers to design traditional bhunga ( Kooba huts ) to host Wildlife enthusiasts. The Eco Tour Camp is now a classic Indian home stay and a unique base in the LRK to explore India's largest Wild Ass Sanctuary. Run by Ajay Devjibhai Dhamecha and family, the Eco huts Provide comfortable accommodation on the edge of the Wild Ass Sanctuary and a taste of rural life in India.
Mr Devjibhai Dhamecha hails from a salt workers family, and has a love of nature and wildlife. He has published 2 books: Bird Fair (1992) 165 Birds of Gujarat - published by Information Department Gujarat, and Wild Animals of Gujarat (1995).
Mr Devjibhai Dhamecha was a founding member of the GEER Foundation, and a professional wildlife photographer. As a keen naturalist, he was a representative on many key advisory panels and committees for wildlife preservation in the LRK. He regularly conducts tours Wild Ass Sanctuary LRK for nature-lovers from India and around the world. Having worked in though the LRK for numerous years, and also as a regular participant in the Forest Department wildlife surveys, Mr Devjibhai Dhamecha has a in depth knowledge of the region.
Throughout his vast experience, Devjibhai Dhamecha has developed very good rapport and credibility within the local community as well as the government sector, in particular the Forest Department. He was widely invited to participate in seminars and committees where he actively contributes to wildlife decision- making and policies.
