Reproductive biology, animal care sciences, conservation ecology and a wildlife forensic lab will form part of the institute

An advanced institute for wildlife conservation, research, training and education is nearing completion in Vandalur, near the zoo.

Forest department sources said an announcement in this regard was made last year. The government had sanctioned Rs. 27.13 crore for establishing the institute.

Taking up research to aid the survival and recovery of species and their habitats, exclusive breeding programmes by creating captive breeding centres, training youth on conservation, finding solutions for man-animal conflict, advanced training for zoo management and captive breeding are some of the main objectives of the institute.

Reproductive biology, animal care sciences, conservation ecology with a field station in Kanyakumari, conservation education, centre for conservation and evolutionary genetics, migratory birds, species survival and a wildlife forensic lab will form part of the institute.

The first consultative meeting to develop a road map for the institute was held on October 13, on the zoo premises.

More than 20 forest service officers participated.

In the future, the institute will offer courses on wildlife conservation.

A sum of Rs. 7.13 crore will be spent on the building, and Rs. 20 crore on developing infrastructure, different centres and laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by P. Oppili / Chennai – November 12th, 2014