Research programme – small mammal and bird conservation in Goa, India

Stephen J. Dias

I am an ecologist working on birds and small mammals inhabiting both protected and unprotected landscapes in Goa, India. I am currently associated with a local non-governmental organisation that focuses on wildlife research, conservation, and outreach activities. In the past, I have worked on the ecology of owls and squirrels inhabiting the forests of the Western Ghats. My academic experience includes serving as a lecturer in zoology and mentoring research projects. Beyond my professional and academic work, I am also an active member of the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group.  

My current research programme investigates the ecology of smooth-coated otters and avian diversity in human-dominated coastal environments, with the aim of developing strategies to support the conservation of wildlife in these habitats.

Outputs

Dias, S. J., D’Costa, J., Ainkar, S. S., Sinai Borker, A., & D’Costa, A. H. (2026). A baseline assessment of potentially toxic elements in smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) spraints from the estuarine landscape of Goa, India. Chemistry and Ecology https://doi.org/10.1080/02757540.2026.2630723

Dias, S. J., Borker, N. S., Yadav, A.K, D’Costa, J., Borker, A.S. & Porob, P.C. (2025). Seasonal diet of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in traditional brackish-water agroecosystems of Goa, India. Aquatic Ecology https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-025-10226-6

Yadav, A.K, Dias, S. J. & Porob, P.C. (2025). Factors influencing nesting tree selection by the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) in the forest areas of Bondla Zoological Park, Goa, India. Mammalian Biology https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00512-z

Dias, S. J. (2023). Factors influencing latrine site selection of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in traditional estuarine agroecosystems of Goa, India. Mammalian Biology https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-023-00379-y

Dias, S. J., White, P. J. C., Borker, A. S., & Fernandes, N. V. (2022). Habitat selection of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in the peri-coastal, urbanized landscape of Goa, India. Mammal Research https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-022-00639-1

Dias, S. J. (2021). Determination of fisher perception towards smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata): A case study in western India. New Visions in Biological Science https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvbs/v4/1963c

Names in bold are current or former staff or students working in the lab