Reptile Field Researchers South Asia - Zoo Outreach Organisation

From March 1996 onwards working towards a doctoral degree at the Wildlife Institute of India,Dehra Dun on the project Impact of fragmentation on the biological diversity of the rain forestsmall mammals and herpetofauna of the Western Ghats Mountains, South India. This isfunded by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The study areas are the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (the contiguous forest site) and Anamalais (forest fragments).This is the first time that a research project is being undertaken to study the impact of rainforest fragmentation on various taxa in India. I am working on the reptilian component in theproject and my study aims to understand the process of rain forest fragmentation and itsimpact on the rich and endemic reptilian fauna. The study would also look at the factors thataffect the distribution, species assemblage and the ecology of these rare and endemicreptiles at the middle elevation wet evergreen forests. A model would be developed at theend of the study that would help in predicting the nature of impact, rain forest fragmentationhas on the reptilian communities. Sampling protocol for rain forest reptiles would bedeveloped. Conservation measures to maintain rain forests and their reptiles would also besuggested. The project would extend upto September 2000.Mr. Nameer P. OmmerDate of Birth: 20-03-1968 Sex: Male Occupation: Asst. ProfessorCorrespondence:Kerala Agricultural University, Dept. of Wildlife Sciences, College ofForestry, Vellanikkara Thrissur, Kerala 680 654, INDIAPhone: Res: 98470 46786; Off: 0487 370050 Fax: 0487 370019Email: kauhgr@ren.nic.inResearch Interest: Ecology and taxonomy.Ph.D. in reptile studies: NoCaptive populations of reptiles maintained: Lissemys punctata – 2; Melanochelys trijuga –1; Geoemyda silvatica – 1.Mr. Kannan PerumalDate of Birth: 10-11-1970 Sex: Male Occupation: Research fellowCorrespondence:Madras Research Centre of CMFRI68/3, V Floor, Murugesa Naicker Complex, Greams RdChennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, INDIAPhone: 044 8253299/8254472