Collaborators

Cafe Oikos set out to expand their series of talks with a series of nature walks in Bengaluru, and short video clips on citizen science initiatives in India to inspire people to go out, observe nature, and contribute to science helping Bengaluru to build a comprehensive report on its urban biodiversity. In light of the COVID 19 pandemic, the film concept and nature walks concept was  modified and the team began to work on a book on urban wildlife as a resource.

The Living Museum imagines nature in cities as though it were a living museum. It depicts the diverse species in our environment. A jumping spider is the guide who takes the reader along to understand what critters live in our backyards, our living rooms, the compost and the pavement. An exciting resource for children and adults alike, this book is made by a team of young women with rich knowledge on urban ecology and is paired with fascinating illustrations by Sunaina Coelho.

At the end of the tour, the book covers different ways in which people can engage with the Living Museum— by observing it, understanding the great changes it is going through, and contributing data to national and global citizen science initiatives. It also gives a short glimpse into the professional work of a few people, that intersects with urban biodiversity.

The book was published by the Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning with additional support from the Nagarathna Memorial Grant.