Webinar with Prof. Hema Somanathan: Pollinators in a Changing World
On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5th), we brought an exclusive webinar session with Prof. Hema Somanathan of IISER Thiruvananthapuram. She talked on "Can pollinators cope with a rapidly changing world?" followed by an interactive session with Prof. T. R. Rao.
conducted at IISER Berhampur on 5th of June, 2020
About Prof. Hema Somanathan
Prof. Hema Somanathan is a distinguished professor of Ecology at IISER Thiruvananthapuram, specializing in animal behavior, sensory ecology, and pollination biology. Her extensive research delves into the complex interactions between pollinators and plants, exploring how these vital relationships are affected by environmental changes. Known for her fieldwork on tropical forests and her keen interest in conservation biology, Prof. Somanathans work sheds light on the adaptive mechanisms of pollinators, particularly bees and bats, in rapidly changing ecosystems. Her insights have contributed significantly to understanding the intricate balance of ecosystems and the pivotal role of pollinators in biodiversity.
World Environment Day Webinar: Pollinators and Environmental Change
On World Environment Day, Team Oasis had the honor of hosting Prof. Hema Somanathan for an exclusive webinar focused on one of todays most pressing topics: "Can pollinators cope with a rapidly changing world?" Prof. Somanathan discussed the critical challenges facing pollinators in ecosystems worldwide, from climate change to habitat loss. As pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats are essential for plant reproduction and crop yields, their decline poses a significant threat to biodiversity and food security. This session highlighted the complexity of pollination networks and the environmental shifts that increasingly disrupt these delicate relationships.
Exploring Adaptation and Resilience
In her presentation, Prof. Somanathan examined how different species of pollinators are responding to environmental pressures, noting that while some species exhibit remarkable resilience, others are struggling to adapt. She provided examples of behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow certain pollinators to survive in fluctuating conditions, including shifts in foraging patterns and habitat preferences. The presentation underscored the importance of pollinator-friendly practices, urging the audience to consider how collective efforts in conservation and urban planning can aid these critical species in adapting to a changing world.
The session concluded with an insightful Q&A session, moderated by Prof. T. R. Rao, a well-respected figure in environmental science. Students and faculty engaged in thought-provoking discussions, with questions about the potential for pollinator recovery and the role of citizen science in tracking pollinator populations. Prof. Somanathans responses inspired participants to consider local conservation efforts and research opportunities, making this World Environment Day webinar not only informative but also deeply motivating. The event succeeded in fostering awareness and sparking interest in conservation practices that support pollinator health in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Moments -
Visuals from the event
Coordinated by -
Present members were - prakhar, Simran
Event Written by - anshuman, divyajoti