New Conservation Strategy in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Revamps Endangered Species Fund: Focus on Malabar Civet and Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat: In a major administrative shift, Tamil Nadu has reassigned the ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). This decision was taken after concerns were raised about the inactivity of the previous manager, the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA). The move marks a new chapter for the conservation of rare and critically endangered species like the Malabar civet and Salim Ali’s fruit bat, both of which are on the verge of extinction.
Role of the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation
The AIWC, based in Vandalur near Chennai, is a government-run institution established in 2017 under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Its core mission is to combine scientific research with conservation practice. The institute plays a vital role in field-based studies, capacity building, and conservation technology deployment. AIWC collaborates with zoos, researchers, and universities to create a knowledge-driven conservation model that prioritises rare and endangered species.
Spotlight on the Malabar Large-Spotted Civet
Among the species receiving urgent attention is the Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina), one of the most critically endangered carnivores in the world. Once common in the lowland forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the civet has now been pushed to small forest fragments and cashew plantations due to habitat destruction. Weighing around 18–20 lbs, the civet is known for its grey fur, prominent black spots, and a unique black dorsal crest. A solitary nocturnal hunter, its diet includes reptiles, birds, fruits, and small mammals, making it an integral part of the local ecosystem.
Goals of the Reallocated Fund
The revamped conservation fund is designed to facilitate the surveying, mapping, and monitoring of endangered species across Tamil Nadu. The AIWC will now invite research grants, enabling scientists and conservationists to carry out species-specific action plans. The effort will not be limited to protected areas; it also seeks to safeguard wildlife in human-dominated landscapes, which often serve as unacknowledged sanctuaries for lesser-known species.
Challenges and The Road Ahead
The switch from SFDA to AIWC highlights governance and accountability gaps in wildlife conservation projects. With AIWC’s evidence-based approach, Tamil Nadu hopes to eliminate delays and fund stagnation, ensuring that endangered species get the timely attention they need. Conservationists view this development as a positive step toward proactive wildlife management, especially as biodiversity faces growing pressure from climate change and land-use shifts.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Category | Details |
Conservation Fund | ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund |
Current Managing Body | Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) |
Location | Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Established | October 2017 |
Key Species | Malabar Civet, Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat |
Malabar Civet Scientific Name | Viverra civettina |
Malabar Civet Status (IUCN) | Critically Endangered |
AIWC Functions | Research, training, conservation tech support |
Past Managing Body | State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) |
Habitat Focus Area | Western Ghats and fragmented cashew plantations |