CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Tamil Nadu government has launched the country’s first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), located in Coimbatore district. This landmark initiative is aimed at preserving hornbill species crucial for maintaining forest ecosystems and seed dispersal in the face of climate change and habitat degradation. The centre is being established with an allocation of Rupees 1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Corpus Fund and will focus on scientific research, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation.
Importance Of Hornbills In Forest Ecosystems
Hornbills, often referred to as the "farmers of the forest," play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the structure and diversity of tropical forests. They contribute significantly to the propagation of native trees like figs and canarium, which are vital to the food chain and overall forest resilience. A decline in hornbill populations can disrupt these ecological processes and negatively impact other wildlife.
Challenges Facing Hornbill Species
The main threats to hornbills include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate variability. These pressures reduce available nesting sites and affect food sources. Isolated forest patches hinder the movement and breeding of hornbills, while unpredictable weather patterns affect the fruiting cycles of the trees they depend on, disrupting their feeding and reproductive habits.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve Was Selected
The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is home to rich biodiversity and is already a stronghold for species like tigers, elephants, and the lion-tailed macaque. Its existing conservation infrastructure and scientific facilities make it an ideal location for launching a hornbill-focused conservation programme.
Focus Species Of Centre
The centre will concentrate on protecting four hornbill species native to the Western Ghats:
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus)
Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)
Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris)
Each of these species has specific ecological roles and conservation needs, requiring tailored protection strategies.
Core Activities And Research Focus
The centre’s work will include ecological monitoring such as nest surveillance, habitat mapping, and assessing the effects of climate change on hornbill populations. Efforts to restore degraded habitats will involve planting hornbill-friendly native trees. Scientific research will guide policy decisions and improve the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
Community Participation And Education
The initiative includes engaging local communities through nest adoption programmes and eco-friendly livelihood options like seed collection. Educational scholarships will be offered to local youth to foster interest in conservation careers. Training for forest personnel and public awareness drives will further support hornbill protection efforts.
Partnerships And Broader Conservation Efforts
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department will collaborate with leading institutions such as the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Nature Conservation Foundation, Wildlife Institute of India, and the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group. The programme also plans to expand its conservation efforts to other protected areas including Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and parts of Kanyakumari district.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
