Shri Maria Christu Raja D is an Indian Forest Service Officer borne on Karnataka cadre. He earned his B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (2001-2005) He worked in Gas Turbine Research Establishment, DRDO, Bangalore as a Scientist for 4 years before joining the Indian Forest Service in the year 2012. He did his PG Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management from the Wildlife Institute of India (2014-15) after completing his professional forestry training from IGNFA, Dehradun. Since 2015, he has worked in the Karnataka Forest Department, as a Deputy Conservator of Forest in various divisions including Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Virajpet Territorial Division & Belgavi Territorial Division. He served as Field Director, Kali Tiger Reserve from 2020 to 2023. His career highlights include innovation using technology in managing Human Wildlife Conflict & implementing village relocation and Ecodevelopment program across various districts in Karnataka. As Registrar at the Wildlife Institute of India he serves as the Head of Office, managing all administrative tasks, and coordination of research and training activities.