Bengaluru: Wildlife Forensics Workshop in JAIN University kicks off with experts providing key insights

The two-day international symposium and workshop on Wildlife forensics conservation, crime and prevention being held by the Department of Forensics of The JAIN Deemed-to-be-University kicked off in grand fashion with a keynote address by Dr Sanjay Gubbi, a conservation biologist of high stature. 

He provided a historical context for wildlife conservation in India. He elaborated on the importance of such efforts with the aid of certain case studies such as mining in the Kudremukh region. 

Speaking exclusively to NewsFirst Prime he also stressed on the need for scientific reporting by the media in matters pertaining to wildlife.

“Wildlife conservation and wildlife science is not a reality show. We cannot sensationalise the issue as it will have a huge impact on not just the people but also wildlife. If you sensationalise the presence of a leopard near a village people are going to be very anxious. If you show the other of it being a natural leopard habitat and of coexistence it would be safer for both people and wildlife,” he stated. 

Dr Sanjay Gubbi of the HNF spoke about the need for scientific reporting by the media in matters pertaining to #wildlife in the two-day #international symposium and #workshop on wildlife #forensics and conservation conducted by the #Jain deemed-to-be #University. pic.twitter.com/pMIjfOC33t

— NewsFirst Prime (@NewsFirstprime)

Dr Sanjay Gubbi of the HNF spoke about the need for scientific reporting by the media in matters pertaining to #wildlife in the two-day #international symposium and #workshop on wildlife #forensics and conservation conducted by the #Jain deemed-to-be #University. pic.twitter.com/pMIjfOC33t

— NewsFirst Prime (@NewsFirstprime) November 27, 2023

">November 27, 2023

The first session of the workshop was on Wildlife trafficking and illegal trade. Dr Smitha Gnana Olivu of the PCMFL spoke about her niche interest which is the Slender Loris. Speaking exclusively to NewsFirst Prime, she talked about her in-depth activism with the communities involved in the hunting of the species due to superstitious beliefs.

“I had to do farming with them. I had to cook with them and get along with them in their day to day activities and slowly start talking to them about Slender Loris. It took me 6 years to convince the people of Arala,” she mentioned. 

Several experts enriched the workshop with key insights and also inspired the students to explore this field. The next days are also lined up with exciting workshops and an excursion trip to Bannerghatta National Park moderated by Dr Sanjay Gubbi.