The Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC) is a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the field of ecology, shedding light on the intricate relationship between biodiversity and human activity. This year's conference, held at Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana, showcased the latest advancements in wildlife ecology, with a particular emphasis on prediction and local conservation efforts. The event brought together researchers from diverse backgrounds, including universities, government agencies, NGOs, and field stations, to explore the future of wildlife ecology in India. The conference's three paired plenary sessions demonstrated the expanding scope of wildlife ecology, encompassing evolutionary history, ecosystem change, bird conservation, citizen science, and animal physiology. The opening plenary traced biodiversity through deep evolutionary time, highlighting the role of geological history and climate gradients in shaping the diversity of woody plants in the Western Ghats. Mahesh Sankaran presented projections from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, illustrating how rising temperatures, variable rainfall, and extreme weather will impact India's montane grasslands. Ashwin Viswanathan discussed the use of citizen-science platforms like eBird India in generating observations at unprecedented scales, enabling researchers to track migration and species distributions. Asad Rahmani emphasized the importance of addressing habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change impacts on India's bird populations, drawing attention to the drying of Kashmir's Shallabugh wetland. Maria Thaker presented studies on desert reptiles, demonstrating how they regulate body temperature and adjust nutritional needs across seasons. The conference also highlighted the importance of long-term monitoring and observation in ecological research. However, it was made clear that scientific understanding alone is insufficient for biodiversity conservation. A special session focused on leveraging global policies for local conservation in India, emphasizing the need for evidence-based implementation and the role of local institutions. Jagdish Krishnaswamy advocated for a shift from species-centred conservation to protecting ecological processes that sustain entire landscapes. Vivek Menon highlighted the importance of species-focused conservation in maintaining the balance between human needs and natural ecosystems. The conference also addressed the evolving nature of ecological research, with advancements in artificial intelligence, genomics, environmental DNA, and computational tools transforming the field. However, speakers cautioned against viewing technology as a replacement for ecological understanding, emphasizing the importance of field logic and direct engagement with nature. Panel discussions explored the complex issue of free-ranging dogs, considering ecological, public health, animal welfare, and urban governance perspectives. The conference's parallel symposia further expanded the scope of ecological inquiry, covering river ecosystems, disease ecology, bats, insects, behavioural ecology, environmental DNA, wildlife corridors, and conservation technologies. Researchers presented work on various ecological methods, including genetics, physiology, epidemiology, and social sciences. The overall sentiment was one of ambition and integration, with the discipline becoming more willing to engage with policy and public health while remaining grounded in the science of the field. The conference's sponsors, including philanthropist Rohini Nilekani, likened wildlife ecologists to the breeze that carries a spider's silk, enabling the creation of meaningful conservation efforts. The event served as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in the pursuit of ecological understanding and conservation.
