Dr. Chetan Nag K S
Deputy Director & Associate Professor, CUBEC
Jain (Deemed-to-be-University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
I am broadly interested in biodiversity, conservation, & terrestrial Ecology with an emphasis on Urban biodiversity & Ecology. My interests are in addressing “basic” questions in Biodiversity & Ecology under a terrestrial setting. Specifically, I am interested in studying the patterns and processes underlying the functioning of a terrestrial ecosystem through field observations, and field- and lab experiments within a fundamental (evolutionary/ecological) and applied (conservation-oriented) framework.
Research Focus Areas
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Primate Ecology and Conservation
My work focuses on the taxonomy, ecology, and behavior of various primate species, including the Hanuman langur and the Nilgiri langur. I've conducted extensive research on the mixed-species associations between these primates, shedding light on their behavioral patterns, habitat use, and conservation status.
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Urban Biodiversity
I'm also interested in exploring the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. My collaborative research has led to the discovery of new species, such as the Sphaerotheca varshabhu frog species in Bengaluru, highlighting the importance of urban ecosystems in conserving biodiversity.
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Conservation Biology
To develop effective conservation strategies, my research focuses on understanding the dietary habits and ecological requirements of endangered species, like the Kolar leaf-nosed bats and Kondana soft furred rats. Through in-depth analysis of their food sources, habitat needs, and environmental interactions, I aim to provide actionable insights that inform conservation efforts and promote the long- term survival of these vulnerable species.
Current Research Projects
Currently, with my students and collaborators, I am working on research themes such as:
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Urban Heat Adaptations in Geckos: Investigating morphometric and physiological adaptations of Hemidactylus parvimaculatus and Cnemaspis mysoriensis geckos to urban heat in Bengaluru.
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Conservation Genetics of Kondana Soft-Furred Rat: Assessing genetic diversity, population structure, and inbreeding depression in the endangered Kondana soft-furred rat (Millardia kondana) in Pune, India.
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Hygiene and Pathogens in Backyard Abattoirs: Evaluating hygiene practices, pathogens, and ectoparasites in backyard abattoirs in urban and rural Bengaluru.
Methodologies and Expertise
My research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining:
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Field observations
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Ecological research
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Statistical analysis
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Application of genetic and genomic tools
Future Research Directions
My future research aims to investigate the impact of urbanization on biodiversity, with a focus on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape urban ecosystems. I am also interested in exploring the genomic basis of adaptation to climate change in various species, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Besides research, I am deeply committed to science-based teaching, both at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Other than my time in History & Philosophy of Science, Science outreach lectures, I follow the literature on Indian tradition & Culture under a Comparative Science of Cultures framework, do a lot traveling, and enjoy Hindustani classical music.
Education and employment:
BSc (2003): MES College, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India
M.Sc (Zoology, 2005): Dept. of Zoology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India
M.Phil (Zoology, 2007): Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Ph.D. (Zoology, 2012): SACON- Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Postdoctoral scholar (2011-2012): CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Instructor (Biology, 2012-2017)- Undergraduate Program, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Collaborators:
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Prof K Praveen Karanth, Professor, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India (https://praveenkaranth.weebly.com/)
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Dr. K P Dinesh, Scientist D, Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dinesh-Kp)
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Dr. H.N. Kumara, Principal Scientist, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore-641108, Tamil Nadu, India (https://www.sacon.in/people/faculty/principal-scientist/?uid=dr-h-n-kumara)
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Mr. Rajesh Puttaswamaiah, Citizen Scientist & Trustee, Bat Conservation India Trust, Kadabagere, Magadi Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka-562130 (http://batconservationindia.org)
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Dr. Aravind N A, Sr. Fellow & Convenor, S M Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) ( https://www.atree.org/profile/aravind-madhyastha/ )
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Dr. Anubhab Khan, Assistant Professor, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
( https://poodl-ces.github.io/index.html )
Selected Publications:
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2025
Ojha, S., Chatterjee, A., Mahato, S., Nag K S C., Kumara, H N., Singh, M. 2025. Life in transit: Habitat use, behavioural profile and feeding ecology by Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) in a fragmented evergreen habitat of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Current Science. 128 (8), 766-775
Meganath ,KV. , Asaf, M., Abraham, M., Bindiya, L S., Nag K S C., Sebastian, N. K., Chandy, R., Meethal, M. E. G., & Anand, L. F. (2025). Mitochondrial cytochrome B gene based phylogenetic analysis of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) sampled from Periyar Tiger reserve, Kerala. International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences, 10(1), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.55126/ijzab.2025.v10.i01.002
Mahato, S., Suraj, N., Nag, K S C., Muhashin Asaf, V. N., Deena, P. N., Kumara, H. N., & Singh, M. (2025). Where do the langurs criss-cross? Spatial understanding of group composition and habitat of mixed-species groups of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam) across the Western Ghats, India. Mammalia 89(2), pp. 153-157. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2024-0135
2024
2023
2022
2020
Others
Harshakumar, C., R. Puttaswamaiah & Nag, K.S.C. (2024). First sighting record of a Ruddy Mongoose Urva smithii Gray, 1837 feeding on a pipistrelle bat in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 16(10): 26027–26029. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9347.16.10.26027-26029
Deepak, P., Dinesh, K. P., Ashadevi, J. S., & Nag, K. S. C. (2024). Amphibians of agro-climatic zones of Karnataka with an updated checklist for the state. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 123(4), 361–375. https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i4/2023/169220
Shalini, T., Amith, S. J. and Nag, K. S. C. (2024). A review of Szulkin, M., J. Munshi-South, and A. Charmantier, eds. 2020. Urban Evolutionary Biology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 303 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-883685-8. Journal of Animal Diversity, 6 (1): 21–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.22034/JAD.2024.6.1.3
Deepak, P., Dinesh, K.P., Nag, K.S.C., Ohler, A., Shanker, K., D Souza, P., Asha Devi, J.S. (2024). Revisionary studies on the genus Sphaerotheca Günther, 1859 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) and description of a new species from the metropolitan suburban area of city Bengaluru, India. Zootaxa 5405 (3): 381–410
Kumara, H. N., Sasi, R., Mahato, S., Kumar, S., Nag, K S C., Suganthasakthivel, R., Ramesh Kumar, P., Umapathy, G., Singh, M., & Singh, M. (2024). Distribution, social organization, and management of Semnopithecus johnii: An umbrella species of fragmented landscape of the Western Ghats. Biotropica, 00, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/ btp.13287
Kumari K S., Puttaswamaiah R., Nag K S C. 2023. Preliminary analysis indicates dietary similarities in the prey composition of Hipposideros hypophyllus Kock and Bhat, 1994 (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) and sympatric congeneric species. Journal of Animal Diversity. 5 (4). URL: http://jad.lu.ac.ir/article-1-317-en.html
Bramhi, S C., & Nag, K.S.C. 2023. Identifying the Linnean Shortfalls and the Prominence of DNA Barcodes in Urban Areas: Reviews and Reflections from Indian Cities. In Justin A. Daniels (Ed.), Advances in Environmental Research. Vol 95: 181-198 pp. Nova Science publishers, Inc, USA.
Nag, K.S.C., Deepak, P. and Hegde, A. (2023) A Rapid Survey of the Anuran Diversity at Nandi Hills and Moodiganahalli village, Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka, India. Hamadryad: 40, 29–36
Nag, K. S. C. (2022). Height variations of Large Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis nests in response to anthropogenic presence at two lakes in Bengaluru. Indian BIRDS 18 (3): 74–78.
Nag, K.S.C. (2020). A new report on mixed species association between Nilgiri Langurs Semnopithecus johnii and Tufted Grey Langurs S. priam (Primates: Cercopithecidae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 12(9): 15975-15984. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5615.12.9.15975–15984
Nag, K.S.C. (2020). A review of- Darwin Comes to Town: How the Urban Jungle Drives Evolution. Menno Schilthuizen. Quercus Editions Ltd (2018). Current Science, 118 (11), 1843-1844. 10th June. https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/118/11/1847.pdf
Singh, M., Kumara, H.N., Dittus, W., Kumar, A. & Nag, K.S.C. 2020. Semnopithecus priam. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T167546892A17942964.
https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T167546892A17942964.en
Singh, M., Kumara, H.N., Kumar, A. & Nag, K.S.C. 2020. Semnopithecus hypoleucos. The IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T167543916A17942313.
https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T167543916A17942313.en