Hume Centre For Ecology And Wildlife Biology.

Hume Centre For Ecology And Wildlife Biology. Hume Center undertakes systematic and scientific research on biodiversity and ecosystems and advocates for conservation ensuring community participation.

Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife is an initiative, by a group of wildlife conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts, for the conservation of ecosystems and wildlife across India. The centre is named after the late Mr. A O Hume, who laid the foundations for Indian Ornithology. It was established in the year 2005 at Kalpetta and has the office at Kalpetta, Wayanad. Wayanad district in Kerala

is part of the Western Ghats which is one the biodiversity hotspots recognised by the United Nations. Unfortunately, this region is also highly threatened due to immense human pressures like increasing human population, land use change, destructive agricultural practises etc. The natural forest cover is fast dwindling and many species including the endemic ones are under severe threat. For this reason Western Ghats is one of the priority locations for our intervention. Hume Centre undertakes systematic and scientific research on the wildlife and the ecosystems and advocates for suitable conservation action/measures and its implementation together with the local communities, the local, state and central government and also with other organisation having similar focus. The centre specifically addresses conservation of birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians and large mammals.

JOIN US!We are hiring INTERNSHume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology invites applications for its Three-Month Inter...
21/07/2026

JOIN US!
We are hiring INTERNS
Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology invites applications for its Three-Month Internship Programme for passionate students and young professionals who are eager to contribute to research, conservation, and sustainable development.
Number of Opportunities
Climate Action – 1 Position
Food Systems – 2 Positions
Library & Knowledge Management – 1 Position
Human–Animal Conflict – 5 Positions

Wrapping up another insightful session of Hume’s Cafe Scientific! ☕✨​Today, we dove deep into the complex world of clima...
19/07/2026

Wrapping up another insightful session of Hume’s Cafe Scientific! ☕✨
​Today, we dove deep into the complex world of climate systems with our session "Knowing El Niño," led by atmospheric scientist Dr. Manoj M. G. (ACARR, CUSAT). The discussion unraveled how this powerful global ocean-atmosphere phenomenon intimately shapes the historical patterns of our Indian Monsoon and drives the increasingly unpredictable, extreme weather events we observe across the Western Ghats landscape.
​The program was a resonant success, bringing together 39 physical participants and 20 online attendees for a highly reflective and vibrant open dialogue. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, asked sharp questions, and contributed to bridging the gap between climate science and local environmental action.
​Special thanks to Benjoz Restaurant, Kalpetta for hosting us! The beautiful, welcoming ambience provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet deeply engaging evening of scientific discourse.
​Stay tuned for our upcoming editions as we continue bringing science back into public spaces! 🌍🌱

A night of frogs, stars, and stories. ✨We sat alongside a pond under a starry night sky, our eyes closed and our ears wi...
17/06/2026

A night of frogs, stars, and stories. ✨

We sat alongside a pond under a starry night sky, our eyes closed and our ears wide open. It felt as though Jupiter and Venus were watching over us as we listened to a spectacular frog a ca****la. A light drizzle had fallen three hours earlier, so although the frogs weren't very active, we could still hear a beautiful chorus. Our guides - Umesh, Saeed, and Omar - expertly identified the distinct calls of different species, including Minervarya, Indosylvirana, Pseudophilautus wynaadensis, and many others. Learning to recognize these calls was one of the most fascinating parts of the two-day program.

Before the frog walk, Umesh conducted a session on amphibians of Western Ghats. One of the most interesting things we learned was about frog eggs. He explained that bush frog eggs are incredibly special because they skip the tadpole stage entirely. Instead of hatching into swimming tadpoles like most frogs, the young develop completely inside a clear, jelly-like egg. When they hatch, they emerge as tiny, fully formed frogs! He jokingly told us to use this fact to correct our teachers when we learn the standard frog life cycle from our school textbooks.

Sadly, we also learned how climate change threatens these fragile life cycles. The lichen bush frog lays its eggs in damp tree holes, but increasingly hot and dry conditions can cause the eggs to dry out before the young are ready to hatch.

We also drew frogs and the ecosystems they depend on - from ponds, rocky habitats, paddy fields, and streams to insects, plants, and even the weather - understanding how deeply connected frogs are to their environment and the vital role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The frog quiz helped us recall everything we had learned, and we wrapped up the program by watching Maali, a documentary about the purple frog, and making frog origami.

After this Frog Watch, I don't think I'll ever hear frog calls the same way again. Now, whenever I hear a frog calling, I'll find myself wondering which species it is, where it lives, and what story it has to tell.

🌿🎭 Naad Agam -Stories of Coexistence Come AliveNaad Agam brings together two meanings -Naad, the village or lived landsc...
12/06/2026

🌿🎭 Naad Agam -Stories of Coexistence Come Alive

Naad Agam brings together two meanings -Naad, the village or lived landscape, and Agam, the inner world within. Through theatre, it becomes a space where the stories, memories, and experiences of communities are brought to life.

For three inspiring days at Tholpetty, young people from forest-fringe communities came together to explore the shared landscapes of humans and wildlife through stories, maps, crafts, movement, and theatre.

From recalling everyday encounters with wild animals to transforming village memories into creative performances, the workshop journeyed through the themes of Boundaries, Space, and Time, revealing how coexistence is lived, negotiated, and understood in Wayanad’s forests and villages.

A celebration of local knowledge, shared spaces, and the many stories of living together.

🤝 In collaboration with the Coexistence Consortium, and the Kerala Forest Department, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Panchayat level climate action Kunnummal Block Panchayat (kozhikode)has systematically initiated a weather monitoring pr...
06/06/2026

Panchayat level climate action

Kunnummal Block Panchayat (kozhikode)has systematically initiated a weather monitoring project with a strong long-term vision. The project has been formally inaugurated in all panchayats under the block by Sri. Sasi, President of Kunnummal Block Panchayat. The inauguration reflects serious commitment from the block and has ensured widespread awareness among panchayat bodies and the community.

During a 4-day visit to the block, our Research Assistant, Ms. Hridhya Revathy, conducted 7 sessions across all 7 panchayats on the importance of community-based weather monitoring. Stakeholder meetings were held, leading to the formation of grid-level and panchayat-level weather monitoring committees. Climate Managers have been identified, and KSSP continues to provide active technical and organisational support.

A decentralised system is now firmly in place. Notably, the system is day by day getting more rooted in local action, with decisions and responses emerging directly from community participation. This marks a significant step towards sustainable, people-driven climate resilience at the grassroots level.In the coming days, instrumentation and training** will be carried out to strengthen the operational capacity of the monitoring system.

marked by reaching out to schools across Wayanad, sharing the story of the district bird,the endangered Banasura Chila...
06/06/2026

marked by reaching out to schools across Wayanad, sharing the story of the district bird,the endangered Banasura Chilappan.

Through interactive sessions, discussions, and conservation messages, we introduced students from WOVHSS Muttil, SKMJ HSS Kalpetta, NSSEMHSS Kalpetta, GHS Thrikkaipetta, GVHSS Vellarmala, and GVHSS Munderi to the vital importance of protecting the shola-grassland ecosystems of the Western Ghats and the unique species that call these mountains home.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between local bird populations and human communities, we emphasize that true conservation thrives through coexistence.

With this, the message of Banasura Chilappan conservation has now reached 1000+ young minds across Wayanad, inspiring the next generation to safeguard their neighborhood natural heritage. Every child who learns about the Banasura Chilappan becomes a new voice for its conservation.

This year’s World Environment Day theme, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," resonates deeply with our work. As the global community gathers in Baku, Azerbaijan, we join the movement by advocating for Ecosystem-based adaptation—a nature-based solution that is critical in the fight against climate change.

A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers, and students who welcomed our team!

🐾 Learning About Dholes Through Stories, Science, and Fun! 🐾As part of the Dhole Awareness Programme, the Dhole Project ...
03/06/2026

🐾 Learning About Dholes Through Stories, Science, and Fun! 🐾

As part of the Dhole Awareness Programme, the Dhole Project team spent a wonderful day interacting with the children of Tomo School. The session offered an exciting opportunity for children to explore the world of dholes—one of India's most fascinating yet lesser-known wild canids.

From watching 'The Pack' documentary to learning about dhole behaviour, habitats, social life, and their interactions with humans, every segment of the programme sparked curiosity and discussion. The children also had the chance to learn about the research and conservation efforts being undertaken by the Dhole Project team.

The fun continued with a wildlife quiz and the Dhobble game, which kept everyone actively involved. The workshop concluded on a creative note with a Dhole origami activity, allowing children to express their learning through art.

Thank you to the entire Dhole Project team, especially Arjun Srivastava, for creating such an interactive and memorable learning experience for our children. We look forward to many more opportunities to learn, explore, and celebrate wildlife together.

It’s great to see the children who presented their projects at Hume’s Children’s Science Congress — Ms. Akhileshwari, Ms...
01/06/2026

It’s great to see the children who presented their projects at Hume’s Children’s Science Congress — Ms. Akhileshwari, Ms. Greeshma (on edible snails), Ms. Likitha, Ms. Arsha Babu (on fish diversity), Ms. Rahana, and Ms. Ajitha (on ediblue ferns) — being recognized by the management of Nehru Memorial U.P. School, Valliyoorkaavu. Proud moment for all of us!

Wayanad Climate Report 2025–26 Released; Community Monitoring Highlights Rainfall Extremes and Climate Risks. Wayanad Pr...
31/05/2026

Wayanad Climate Report 2025–26 Released; Community Monitoring Highlights Rainfall Extremes and Climate Risks.

Wayanad Pre-Monsoon Meeting Held; 2025–26 Climate Report Released
Kalpetta: Wayanad Pre-Monsoon Meeting was organized by the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology in collaboration with the Keystone Foundation and TAPCO Agro Producers Company. The event focused on climate change, monsoon preparedness, agricultural planning, and disaster risks, and also witnessed the release of the Wayanad Climate Report 2025–26.

The report was prepared using data collected through the community-based weather monitoring network established by the Hume Centre. Wayanad district was divided into 108 grids of 25 square kilometres each, and hyper-local weather data were analyzed to understand rainfall distribution, intensity, spatial variability, and temperature patterns across the district.

According to the report, the Southwest Monsoon, which began on 24 May 2025, brought widespread and intense rainfall to the district. The highest rainfall was recorded in the western highland regions, including Thondernad, Thavinhal, Vellamunda, Vythiri, and Meppadi.

During 2025–26, the highest annual rainfall in the district was recorded at Mattilayam in Thondernad Panchayat (6,672 mm), followed by Lakkidi in Vythiri Panchayat (6,264 mm). In contrast, Kolavally in Mullankolly Panchayat received the lowest annual rainfall, recording only 724 mm. The findings highlight the sharp rainfall contrast between the western mountainous regions and the eastern rain-shadow areas of Wayanad.

The report also noted clear seasonal variations in temperature. Minimum temperature prevailed during the monsoon months, while summer was significantly warmer. July recorded the lowest average maximum temperature (24.4°C) in the district. April 2026 was the hottest month, with an average maximum temperature of 32.9°C. In December, temperatures dropped to as low as 14°C in some areas. The study found that topography, elevation, forest cover, and local microclimatic conditions strongly influence rainfall and temperature distribution across Wayanad.
Report Release

The meeting was chaired by C.K. Vishnu Das, Director of the Hume Centre. He announced that the community-based weather monitoring initiative has already expanded to Kannur, Balussery Block Panchayat (Kozhikode), Pothukal Panchayat (Malappuram), Vellangallur Block Panchayat (Thrissur), Ernakulam, and Idukki districts. Efforts have also begun to extend the programme to all districts of Kerala during the upcoming monsoon season.

The Wayanad Climate Report 2025–26 was released by P.J. Manuel, CEO of Nattarivu Study Centre, and received by farmer Radha Nambiar. T.C. Joseph, member of the Wayanad Biodiversity Management Committee, offered felicitations.

Rafi, Additional Programme Coordinator of the Keystone Foundation, spoke about the foundation’s climate change initiatives. Akhil Sivadas, Climate Change Programme Coordinator, conducted a session on Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) approaches involving local communities.
Vrinda, Research Assistant at TAPCO Agro Producers Company, presented the agricultural calendar. Dr. M.G. Manoj from the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR), CUSAT, delivered a lecture on Kerala’s monsoon system and the impacts of climate change.

Community weather observers K. Rajagopalan, Unnikrishnan S., and Divakaran Mangalassery shared rainfall and weather observations from their respective regions. Students Safeela Nasrin and Rusha Fathima from GHSS Meppadi presented their experiences related to rainfall. Climate Cadets Insa Fathima and Keerthana presented a study on different cloud types and their relationship with rainfall.
Renjini A.R., Team Lead at the Hume Centre, presented the detailed climate analysis for Wayanad during 2025–26. Representatives from the Kerala Emergency Team, Churam Samrakshana Samithi, Civil Defence, community weather observers, farmers, various organizations, and students attended the event.

The programme began with a welcome address by Answaf Aman, Research Assistant at the Hume Centre, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Arjun, Research Assistant.

The meeting emphasized the importance of community-based weather monitoring at a time when the risks of extreme rainfall, landslides, floods, droughts, and other climate-related disasters are increasing. Participants noted that integrating scientific research with local knowledge can strengthen disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, water resource management, and environmental conservation efforts.

Kannur District Weather & Rainfall Report Release Programme and a World Environment Day Training Workshop were held at P...
29/05/2026

Kannur District Weather & Rainfall Report Release Programme and a World Environment Day Training Workshop were held at Parishad Bhavan, Kannur, jointly organized by KSSP and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, Wayanad.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. K. P. Prashanth, Principal of SN College, Kannur. Asar Ali E., Head of the Forestry Department, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, spoke on environmental conservation and current environmental challenges.

The district weather and rainfall report was released by P. V. Jayashree, District President, and handed over to student rain observer Muhammed Raseen. Renjini A. R., Researcher at Hume Centre, presented the district climate and weather report.

Rainfall observers Muhammed Raseen Mattul, Jose Cherupuzha, N. V. Manoharan, P. Ramesan, M. V. Mohankumar, Samuel Premkumar, and P. Sunil Dathan shared their experiences in rainfall monitoring.

The programme was chaired by P. V. Jayashree. Dr. K. Geethanandan welcomed the gathering and Satheesan Kasthuri delivered the vote of thanks.

Since 2024, KSSP and Hume Centre have been jointly conducting the People's Weather Monitoring Programme across Kannur, promoting citizen science, climate awareness, and disaster preparedness through community rainfall monitoring.

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Kalpatta

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94 47 54 46 03

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