The ability of wild animals to live amongst humans, and persist on landscapes that experience intensive conversion to fulfill human needs provides hope for long-term conservation of many species. I got a glimpse into this phenomenon while studying the Sarus Crane in Uttar Pradesh, and am now hooked. My primary interest is to understand how this coexistence can be achieved, where and when is this coexistence not possible, and to figure out if this coexistence can be introduced to areas where they may currently be weak. On the side, the natural history and behaviour of all wild things, particularly birds, fascinates and drives me to discovery. My current focus is the habitats and landscapes in south Asia where Sarus Cranes exist, and the many other species that thrive alongside. I run Program SarusScape of the International Crane Foundation that is implemented in collaboration with NCF as the Cranes and Wetlands Programme. With my friend and colleague Luis Santiago Cano, I also Co-chair the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group which allows me to work alongside a fantastic group of people worldwide interested in this group of birds.