The Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference 2024 will conclude with an open-to-public event. The goal of this event is to explore the changes in the philosophies, motivations, technologies, and societal relevance of wildlife ecology research in India over the last five decades.

This event is open to the public, offering them the opportunity to interact with leading experts in wildlife ecology, gain insights into ecology research, and contribute to discussions on the future trajectory of wildlife research in India. 

Through this event, we hope to raise awareness among the public on why they should care about ecology, research, and conservation especially in a time of climate change and heightened biodiversity loss. 

The event will include: 

(a) Keynote Address “Another Day in Paradise? The Wildlife Ecologist in India (1900 – 2024)” delivered by eminent ecologist, Dr. Ghazala Shahabuddin. She will delve into the history of wildlife ecology research in India, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping conservation efforts and ecological understanding. She has been a Visiting Professor to Environmental Studies, Ashoka University, since 2021.

(b) Panel Discussion: “Societal Relevance of Wildlife Ecology Research” on the societal relevance of wildlife ecology research from the perspectives of end users (forest managers and large landowners), donors, NGOs, policy makers and media influencers. The panel will explore different dimensions of societal relevance of wildlife ecology research in India.
Panel members include:
(a) Mr M. M. Venkatachalam, Chairman, E.I.D. Parry (India).Ltd
(b) Ms Neema Pathak-Broome, Policy Analyst, Kalpavriksh, Pune. 
(c) Mr Vivek Menon, Founder and Executive Director of the Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi 

(d) Vanjulavalli Shridhar IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pondicherry
(e) Moderator: Dr Ambika Aiyadurai, IIT-Gandhinagar