In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore one of India’s most unique and little-known primates — the slender loris, a small nocturnal primate that thrives in the tree canopies of southern India and Sri Lanka. Joining us is Professor Kaberi Kar Gupta, visiting scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and founder of the Urban Slender Loris Project, who shares her decades-long journey from studying forest ecology to pioneering urban ecology and urban wildlife conservation in Bengaluru.

Professor Gupta recounts her early fascination with nature, from growing up in the green outskirts of Kolkata to working in the forests of Tamil Nadu. Her research on primate ecology began in the forests of Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, where she studied slender loris behavior, home ranges, and mating systems, uncovering intricate details about their ecology and survival strategies. Over time, she turned her attention to how these primates adapt to city environments — leading to the creation of the Urban Slender Loris Project in Bengaluru, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative that brings together researchers, local communities, and volunteers to monitor and conserve these elusive nocturnal primates.

The discussion dives into the urgent need for urban biodiversity conservation and biodiversity management in rapidly growing cities. Professor Gupta highlights how urban green spaces — once thriving with life — are vanishing under expanding infrastructure. Through the project, community members were trained to conduct night surveys, map loris habitats, and identify key trees and corridors that sustain these animals. Their collective effort revealed both the resilience of urban biodiversity and the fragility of these ecosystems under urban expansion.

We also discuss the results of a recent study on public attitudes towards slender lorises in Bengaluru. The findings show that while urban residents often appreciate local wildlife, awareness about species like the slender loris remains limited. Cultural myths, once linked to black magic, are fading, but habitat destruction and lack of awareness continue to pose serious threats.

Professor Gupta’s reflections go beyond the science — touching on her personal experiences in wild Karnataka, encounters with wildlife traders during early conservation work, and moments of awe witnessing tigers and lorises in their natural habitats. Her message is clear: connecting people to nature within cities is essential for the future of conservation. As more people become urban dwellers, initiatives like the Urban Slender Loris Project show how science, community participation, and empathy for wildlife can coexist in even the most crowded environments.

Whether you’re a student of urban biology, a wildlife enthusiast, or a conservationist, this conversation offers a profound look into how small nocturnal primates like the slender loris can inspire a new model of biodiversity preservation in the heart of India’s tech capital.

Tune in to discover the story of the slender loris — the hidden primate of Bengaluru — and how local communities are shaping the future of urban wildlife conservation.

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

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