ANCF is a small group of conservation scientists, planners, information managers and administrators working together to support the conservation of biological diversity in India. ANCF was established in 1997 as a charitable trust by the eminent conservation scientist, Prof Raman Sukumar, Chair of the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. It is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Prof Sukumar. Mr Thomas Mathew, an experienced conservation planner and manager serves as the Executive Director. ANCF has its headquarters at the Innovation Centre office of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. While ANCF is constituted as an independent group of conservation professionals, in implementing its programmes it works closely with Government agencies, sister research and education institutions, civil society groups and community organizations.