Aranyakam Nature Foundation, along with KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, organised a three-day workshop on herpetology for selected zoology students and teachers from the universities of Kerala. The programme took place on the KFRI campus from 6th to 8th May 2022. Around 50 students and teachers from various colleges in Kerala participated in the three-day workshop.
Dr AV Raghu, a senior scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, delivered the welcome note while Dr. PS Easa presided over the function. While Inaugurating the event, Dr Syam Vishwanath, director of the institute, said that it was committed to impart a scientific base for NGOs and their activities in environmental conservation. Peechi Wild Life Warden Prabhu PM felicitated the event. Meanwhile, Adv. MP Prakash (Aryanakam Nature Foundation) delivered the vote of thanks. The workshop aims to promote scientific knowledge about reptiles to ordinary people through students.
In the workshop, Dr Benjamin Tapley, curator of the Reptile House, Zoological Society of London, talked about the Holistic approaches to amphibian conservation. Then, Sandeep Das gave an introduction to amphibians, and Rajkumar introduced more about the reptiles to the participants. Finally, Dr Robin from Sri Venkateswara college New Delhi explained the frog calls and methods for studying frog calls.
On the second day, noted snake researcher and author of the book Snakes of India Ashok Captain explained the taxonomy of snakes. Then, Dr Deepak Veerappan, a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum of London, described the distribution of Indian reptiles. Next, Dr Lilly Margaret of Dartmouth College, United States of America, gave a detailed note on standard methods in anuran studies. Finally, Muhammed Anvar, Deputy Director of the state forest training institute, introduced scientific methods in snake rescue to the participants.
On the third day, Saunak Pal of Bombay Natural History Society talked about the geckos of western ghats. Then, Ayushi Jain, known for her conservation efforts of giant softshell turtles, explained her experiences in the field.
Enriched all three days of the workshop with field studies on the KFRI campus and lab sessions led by herpetology researchers Sandeep Das, Rajkumar KP and Nithin Divakar
Workshop Team
Inauguration by Syam V, Director KFRI
Presidential Address by Dr PS Easa
Presidential Address by Dr PS Easa
Holistic approaches to amphibian conservation – Dr. Benjamin Tapley
Introduction to amphibians – Sandeep Das
Audience
Introduction to Reptiles – Rajkumar KP
Ashok Captain explaining field techniques
How to conduct field studies - Nithin Divakar
Sajeev sir, Easa sir, Sandeep
Sandeep Das
Snake Taxonomy – Ashok Captain
Ashok Captain with Dr PS Easa and Anvar
Conservation of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle – Ayushi Jain
In the news
Environmental conservation requires scientific research, says ecologist Dr PS Easa…
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/news/2022/05/09/environmental-conservation-scientific-research-ecologist-dr-ps-easa.html