A New Centre for Hornbill Conservation
Tamil Nadu’s New Wildlife Conservation Drive: From Hornbills to Marine Protection: The Tamil Nadu government has launched a dedicated hornbill conservation initiative by setting up a Centre for Excellence at Anamalai Tiger Reserve. This centre will focus on protecting hornbill habitats, which are rapidly vanishing due to deforestation and human disturbance. Hornbills play a vital role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers, and this move reinforces the state’s commitment to avian biodiversity.
Expanding Species Protection Efforts
Apart from hornbills, the government has prioritized the conservation of lion-tailed macaques, hyenas, Madras hedgehogs, and mahseer fish, under a budget of ₹1 crore. Notably, the Bengal Fox and Indian Jackal will receive targeted protection plans due to habitat loss. These efforts include population surveys, habitat restoration, and community engagement campaigns to build local awareness and support.
High-Tech Tracking of Olive Ridley Turtles
Tamil Nadu’s first telemetry study will be launched to track the Olive Ridley Turtles along its coastline. With a budget of ₹84 lakh, the study will use satellite tags to identify congregation zones and nesting hotspots. The goal is to reduce human interference and fishing threats by developing science-based conservation zones.
Youth Engagement and Wildlife Research
To build a conservation mindset, the government will introduce Community Conservation Leadership Awards and launch a certificate course for 20,000 students. At the same time, Tamil Nadu’s scientific capabilities will be strengthened with the launch of two new research centres—the Centre for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics and the Centre for Species Survival—at the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation in Vandalur, Chennai.
Infrastructure and Marine Security Boost
The state plans to invest ₹5 crore in modernising Kurumbapatti Zoo (Salem) and Amirthi Zoo (Vellore). Additionally, a Marine Elite Force will patrol Chennai’s coast to tackle illegal fishing and safeguard marine biodiversity. A rapid response team in Dindigul will address rising human-elephant conflicts, focusing on early alerts and non-lethal intervention methods.
Urban Ecology and Tree Census
In a unique urban initiative, Tamil Nadu will conduct a tree census and green space assessment across six major cities—Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tiruppur, and Salem. This effort aims to map urban biodiversity and plan sustainable city expansion that includes green corridors and native species plantations.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Tamil Nadu’s New Wildlife Conservation Drive: From Hornbills to Marine Protection:
| Feature | Details |
| Hornbill Conservation | Centre for Excellence at Anamalai Tiger Reserve |
| Other Species Targeted | Lion-tailed macaque, Madras hedgehog, Bengal Fox, Jackal, Mahseer fish |
| Turtle Tracking | ₹84 lakh telemetry study on Olive Ridley Turtles |
| Youth Engagement | 20,000 students in conservation certificate programme |
| Wildlife Research Centres | Vandalur: Genetics & Species Survival centres |
| Zoo Investments | ₹5 crore for Salem & Vellore zoos |
| Marine Protection | Marine Elite Force – Chennai coast |
| Urban Tree Census | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tiruppur, Salem |
| Conflict Mitigation | Rapid Response Team – Dindigul (Elephant Conflict) |
| Wildlife Incubation Centres | Virudhunagar, Kallakurichi, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Nilgiris, Megamalai |
