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., 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