The Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC) is a beacon of hope for the future of wildlife conservation in India. It's not just about preserving species; it's about understanding the intricate web of life that sustains our ecosystems. This year's conference, held at Ashoka University, was a testament to the growing ambition and integration of wildlife ecology in India. But what truly stood out was the emphasis on the ground - on fieldwork, local institutions, and the importance of staying connected to the natural world.
The conference's plenary sessions showcased the breadth of wildlife ecology in India. From evolutionary history to citizen science, and from bird conservation to animal physiology, the talks were a testament to the diverse interests and approaches of Indian ecologists. But what was truly fascinating was the recurring theme of prediction. How can we anticipate ecological change? How can we use our understanding of the past to predict the future?
One of the key insights from the conference was the importance of long-term monitoring. Citizen science platforms like eBird India are generating observations at scales impossible in conventional field studies. This allows researchers to track migration and species distributions, and even reconstruct the migration patterns of the rusty-tailed flycatcher. But it's not just about recording where species occur; it's about understanding the mechanisms that determine how organisms and ecosystems respond to environmental change.
However, scientific understanding alone cannot conserve biodiversity. The special session on 'Leveraging Global Policies for Local Conservation in India' highlighted the importance of local institutions and evidence-based implementation. Experts like Jagdish Krishnaswamy called for a shift from species-centred conservation to landscape-level conservation, integrating biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience. This is a crucial insight, as it recognizes that conservation is not just about protecting individual species, but about protecting the ecological processes that sustain entire landscapes.
But the conference also highlighted the limitations of technology. In a panel discussion called 'Extinction of Experience: The Decline of Field-based Ecology', panellists discussed how ecology is adapting to rapid advances in artificial intelligence and genetics. While these tools have expanded the scope of ecological research, they cannot substitute for the understanding that comes from directly engaging with nature. As Bilal Habib put it, 'Unless and until we have field logic, we won't be able to analyse our data well'.
The conference also explored the complex issue of free-ranging dogs through the intersecting lenses of ecology, public health, animal welfare, and urban governance. The discussion laid out the scientific and policy challenges of managing free-ranging dog populations in Indian cities and their edges. It was a reminder that while technology can provide tools for understanding and managing ecological issues, it cannot replace the need for field logic and direct engagement with nature.
Overall, the conference was a testament to the growing ambition and integration of wildlife ecology in India. It was a reminder that while technology can provide tools for understanding and managing ecological issues, it cannot replace the need for field logic and direct engagement with nature. As philanthropist and conference sponsor Rohini Nilekani put it, 'individual strands of conservation become meaningful only when they connect'. This is a powerful insight, and one that should guide our approach to wildlife conservation in India and beyond.
