We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC `24) on June 14 –16, 2024! IWEC ’24 was born from the collective aspiration of researchers and institutions in India to discuss the science of wildlife ecology, network and collaborate, and support the discipline’s growth. We believe this conference will be a watershed event, bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines in Indian wildlife ecology.

India has a rich diversity of wildlife, from microbes to whales, from the oceans to the mountains. Wildlife ecology is a relatively young discipline in India, with only a few researchers exploring this field until recently. However, in the last few decades, there has been a heartening increase in the number of wildlife ecologists and institutions supporting them. This is clearly reflected in the growth of research output and publications, along with advances in the application of science for conservation. 

In this milieu, IWEC `24 meets the long-felt need within the growing community of Indian wildlife ecologists to have a platform for the professional exchange of ideas and research findings, to encourage communication and collaborations across disciplines, and to promote professional growth and career development.

IWEC `24 invites researchers in Indian wildlife ecology across taxa, landscapes, ecosystems, and disciplines to:

• Symposia on exciting advances, challenges, and opportunities in the ecological study of taxa and ecosystems.
• Panel discussions on emerging topics in wildlife ecology research.
• Networking opportunities to exchange ideas, develop collaborations, and discuss the state of research, conservation, and careers.
• Special interest meetings of small groups to ideate collective roadmaps for specific topics.
• Social gatherings with music, dance, and fun!

IWEC `24 is scheduled for June 14–16, 2024, at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru.