NOMADIC WILDLING

I am interested in various aspects of conservation biology, including community ecology, population dynamics and population viability of small carnivores. I also have a strong interest in communicating conservation issues and science to the public and engaging people in participatory approaches to conservation, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and awareness raising. Since 2013 I have been a member of the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group and have concentrated my research on river otters in India.

 

My current research is on the Lutra sumatrana – the elusive Hairy Nosed Otter. This species is endemic to South- East Asia and very little is know about its population status, habitat and biology. What we do know is that HNO populations declined dramatically in the last 4 decades and the species has subsequently been put on the endangered species list. Unfortunately there continues to be a thriving illegal trade in this species. I am here in Malaysia to evaluate the population dynamics of the species; the threats to the species and to get a better understanding of the wildlife trade in the species.