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Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
ATR to house hornbill conservation centre
Chennai: Tamil Nadu govt sanctioned 1 crore for establishing a Centre of Excellence for the conservation of Great Indian Hornbill at Aanamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). The announcement was made in the assembly in March this year, and the govt order was issued on Monday following the finance department's concurrence, said forest secretary Supriya Sahu. The centre will focus on research, monitoring, breeding, climate monitoring, movement ecology, natural history documentation, food and nest tree surveys, and genetic diversity studies. Habitat management efforts will include ecological restoration of hornbill habitats, protection of nesting and roosting sites, raising saplings from ethically collected seeds through a nursery, and installation of artificial nest boxes. The forest department will set up a research and training facility with field and lab equipment, seminar and training halls, and accommodation for researchers. The department has begun efforts to identify suitable land for the facility at foothills of the tiger reserve. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The centre will work with expert organisations including the Nature Conservation Foundation, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, and Wildlife Institute of India. Supriya Sahu said the initiative aims to fill knowledge gaps on hornbill ecology, and involve local communities in conservation efforts.
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Forest Minister Saseendran stresses ethical, sustainable solutions to human–monkey conflicts in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stressing the need for approaches that are not only effective but also ethical and sustainable, Forest Minister A K Saseendran has said any plan to deal with macaques must ensure the protection of both farmers and wildlife. He was speaking at the inauguration of a workshop organised by the State Forest Department at the Forest Complex at PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday. The workshop, Mission Bonnet Macaque, aimed to reduce human–monkey conflicts across the state by focusing on long-term and humane solutions. The workshop brought together wildlife experts, scientists, and senior forest officials to discuss practical ways to manage the growing problem. Officials said the conflict has become more common due to factors like urban expansion, destruction of natural habitats, and changes in farming practices that attract macaques to human settlements. Experts from institutions such as the University of Mysore, SACON in Coimbatore, CCMB Hyderabad, and the Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department shared their studies and suggestions. They spoke about macaque population trends, the need for reproductive control, and region-specific strategies to prevent crop damage and property loss. Veterinary officers from Kerala also presented field experiences, including the challenges faced in tourist areas like Thekkady, where monkeys often come into contact with people. Discussions included scientific population management techniques like sterilisation and guidelines for monitoring and reducing conflict. After detailed sessions and discussions, the Forest Department decided to submit a comprehensive proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This proposal will include steps to assess macaque populations, implement reproductive control in selected areas, and adopt region-wise mitigation methods based on specific needs.
