Taniya Gill
Taniya Gill is an anthropologist specialising in primate behavioural ecology, with a particular focus on the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Her research delves into the social dynamics, personality traits, and human-macaque interactions of this adaptable primate species.
Academic Background and Research Focus
Taniya’s academic journey began at Hansraj College, where she developed a keen interest in anthropology and primate behaviour. This passion led her to pursue advanced studies at Delhi University, where she completed her doctoral research. Her work primarily centres on the behavioural ecology of rhesus macaques, exploring how individual demographic and social factors influence human-wildlife interactions.
Notable Research Contributions
- Grooming and Aggression: A Comparative Study of Rhesus Macaque and Hanuman Langurs: In this study, Taniya examines the grooming behaviours and aggression patterns between two primate species, providing insights into their social structures and interactions.
- Personality Assessment of Synanthropic Rhesus Macaques: Implications and Challenges: Taniya investigates the personality traits of rhesus macaques living in close association with human habitats, shedding light on the challenges and implications of such coexistence.
As a doctoral student at the University of Delhi’s Department of Anthropology, she conducted in-depth research on human-monkey interactions at the Jakhu Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Her study, titled “An Investigation of Social Interactions Among Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) as a Predictor of Human-Monkey Interactions at the Jakhu Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India,” explores how the social behaviours of rhesus macaques influence their interactions with human visitors at this significant religious site.
Research Focus:
Taniya‘s research aims to understand the dynamics between rhesus macaques and humans in a shared environment, particularly focusing on:
- Social Structures: Analysing the social hierarchies and interactions among macaques to determine patterns that may lead to increased or decreased human-monkey conflicts.
- Behavioural Predictors: Identifying specific behaviours in macaques that can predict the likelihood of interactions with humans, which is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Key Findings:
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Providing insights into how macaque behaviour influences interactions with humans, aiding in the development of strategies to reduce conflicts in urban and peri-urban settings.
- Conservation Efforts: Enhancing knowledge about the adaptability and social behaviour of rhesus macaques, informing conservation policies and practices.
Collaborative Efforts:
Taniya’s research aligns with global efforts to study human-primate interactions, contributing valuable data to the field of anthropology and primatology. Her work at the Jakhu Temple serves as a case study for understanding the complexities of human-wildlife coexistence in culturally significant areas.
Academic Engagements
Beyond her research, Taniya actively participates in academic events and public outreach initiatives:
- Special Lectures Coordination: As a PhD scholar, she co-coordinated special lectures at the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, including topics like ethnographic photography and graphic politics in Eastern India.
- Publications and Presentations: Taniya has contributed to various seminars and workshops, sharing her findings on primate behaviour and human-wildlife interactions.
Lectures and Workshops
- Primate Society of Great Britain (PSGB) Field Skills Workshop: Gill participated in the PSGB Field Skills Workshop, where she shared her research on primate behaviour in human-dominated landscapes, contributing to discussions on field methodologies and conservation strategies.
- Podcast Appearance: Gill was featured in episode #16 of “The Thing About Personalities” podcast, where she discussed her research on individual behaviours and human-monkey interactions at the Jakhu temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Public Outreach and Initiatives
In addition to her research, Taniya has participated in public discussions to disseminate her findings and raise awareness about human-wildlife interactions.
- Co-founder of the Association of Indian Primatologists: She co-founded this organization to promote primate research and conservation in India, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness.
- Social Media Engagement: Through platforms like Twitter, Taniya shares insights from her research, engages with the public on topics related to primate behaviour, and advocates for wildlife conservation.
Through her comprehensive research and public engagement, Taniya Gill contributes significantly to our understanding of primate behaviour in human-dominated environments, offering insights that are essential for both conservation efforts and the management of human-wildlife interactions.
