Dr. PS Easa, the Chairman of the Aryanakam Nature Foundation, has said that science-based research is imperative for environmental conservation. The noted ecologist was speaking at the three-day workshop on knowing more about reptiles held at the Kerala Forest Research Institute. More than fifty participants including college professors and students took part in the workshop, that was organised by the Aryanakam Nature Foundation from May 6 to 8, in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Dr. AV Raghu, senior scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute delivered the welcome note while Dr. PS Easa presided over the function.
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 the common people through students.
Dr. Benjamin Tapley ( curator of the Reptile House, Zoological Society of London), Ashok Captain (noted snake researcher and author of ‘Snakes of India’), Dr. Deepak Veerappan (Scientific Associate, Natural History Museum of London), Dr. Lilly Margaret (Dartmouth College, United States of America), Dr. Robin S, Assistant Professor Venketshwara College, New Delhi, Saunak Pal, Research Scientist from Bombay Natural History Society and Ayushi Jain who studies the giant soft shell turtles, led the sessions at the workshop. Meanwhile, the workshop was managed by researchers Rajkumar KP, Nithin Diwakar and Sandeep Das.
Dr. TV Sajeev, the registrar of the Kerala Forest Research Institute was the chief guest at the closing event on 8 May.
