Editor’s Note

In this issue of Current Conservation, we present a diverse collection of articles guaranteed to delight, shock, amuse, and move you.

As the pandemic continues to provide the backdrop to our lives, Alexi Guddal reveals what we have in common with the endangered Oregon
spotted frog (hint: social isolation). Even prior to COVID-19, bats had a bad rap for being reservoirs of zoonotic diseases. But Kami Koyamatsu shares with us her fascination for the “coolest creatures ever”, who play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems and, thus, people.

In the article featured on the cover, Maia D’Souza takes us on a journey through humanity’s food culture—specifically the widespread use of insects as a food source—pointing to archaeological evidence from the past as well as present-day diets, with clues to the future. This issue also includes a delightful review of Janaki Lenin’s recent book ‘Ever Creature Has a Story’—a collection of 50 fascinating essays on animal behaviour. And our Research in Translation piece about the cultural dimensions of human-wildlife coexistence in the Trans-Himalayas provides insights on how folklore can be a powerful tool for conservation.

Finally, don’t miss the soulful interview with scientist-turned-landscape artist Stephen Redpath, interspersed with original paintings and sketches, or the latest installation of rib-tickling satire from Kartel Shockington with the ‘Official Shockington Guide to Conservation Ailments And Diseases’ (which includes my personal favourite—‘Pristianity’, the desire to set aside exclusionary protected areas).

Until next time.

—Devathi Parashuram