HN Kumara - Session 03, 2023-06-07

HN Kumara speaks about his work after PhD, funding challenges, and evolving research interests with a move towards conservation research. He speaks about a conference in Uganda where networking allowed him to secure funds to carry out work on the lion tailed macaques. He elaborates on his evolving and widening research interests and his role at SACON. He elaborates his work on NTFPs and on his sustained collaboration with the forest department regarding various conservation projects, reflecting on this relationship and its importance for conservation work. He also mentions the balance between conservation efforts and government policy shifts. The interview ends with HN Kumara recollecting two significant encounters with wildlife during his years as a wildlife researcher.

(00:00:01) Work after PhD and experiences applying for funding for projects to study the lion-tailed macaques as an independent researcher

(00:09:18) Conservation efforts for lion-tailed macaques in Sharavati

(00:12:14) Studying NTFPs and devising strategies for extraction and use of NTFPs, and sustainable forest management in a local context

(00:20:34) Power cable insulation for the conservation efforts of mammals in a forest, and challenges of carrying out such work

(00:25:56) Career after young scientist fellowship at NIAS, move to SACON, and research with a focus on conservation

(00:32:11) Widening research interest and work on animals such as elephants in South Bengal, conservation efforts in Meghalaya, and work on Nicobar long-tailed macaque

(00:40:30) Reflection on influences that shaped research interests and funding challenges

(00:45:17) Navigating funding constraints in conservation efforts; Working with forest department, focusing on persistence and relationship-building

(00:48:47) Interacting with the various officers in Forest Department and obtaining a deep understanding of the structure and system

(00:51:28) Importance of patience and optimism in dealing with the Forest Department

(00:57:52) Balancing conservation efforts with people's needs in protected areas, and reflection on conservation world-view

(01:04:51) Language's role in conservation efforts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

(01:08:55) Porcupine burrows used by pythons and research on python population dynamics and conservation efforts

(01:11:38) Advice to deal with Forest Department - strong base and communication skills to convince them and understand issues faced by Forest department and provide suggestions to deal with it.

(01:21:00) Type of data that drives decision making in Forest Department or Conservation - like sharing and providing prescriptions to deal with issues.

(1:23:40) Reflection on important contributions - Lion-tailed Macaque because of the intersection of science and different levels of species conservation and management.

(01:29:15) Advice to young naturalists

(01:32:08) Recollection of memorable encounters with wildlife