Oct 17 2024 to Oct 17 2024 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Steven Moss, a British naturalist, once called the otter “the elusive movie star”. The apex predator of river and stream ecosystems in India, the otter is a charismatic and reclusive mammal that has evolved over millennia to adapt brilliantly to its habitat. And yet, today, the three species of otters found in India are in a vulnerable spot, with declining habitat and increasing demand for water placing critical constraints on their continued survival.

In this talk, Gopakumar Menon will make a case for their protection and, thereby, the larger case for the preservation of their riparian habitat. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion with conservationist Praneet Goteti and a Q&A session with the audience.

Speakers

Gopakumar Menon Founder, The Otter Conservancy

Gopakumar Menon has an MBA from IIM Bangalore (1989-91) and a deep interest in local stakeholder-led wildlife conservation. In 2012, he founded The Otter Conservancy (earlier called Nityata River Otter Conservancy), which works on conserving otters and otter habitat in south India, with particular emphasis on the River Cauvery in Karnataka and its headwaters. When not in the field, he facilitates workshops in negotiation and influencing strategies for the corporate sector, as a part of the team at Navgati, a leadership development firm. He has authored two books of short stories and is an active blogger.

Praneet Goteti Life Coach & Wildlife Conservationist

Praneet has been fascinated by wildlife and wild spaces as far back as he can remember. His experience over the past 25 years covers technology, life coaching and wildlife conservation.