Wildlife monitoring involves systematic data collection and analysis to assess the status, trends and distribution of wildlife populations. This process is crucial for understanding ecosystem health, planning conservation efforts and managing wildlife populations effectively. It typically includes setting objectives, selecting indicators, collecting data through various techniques like field surveys and camera traps, analyzing the data, …
Tiger reserves are crucial sanctuaries established to conserve the majestic Tiger (Panthera tigris), a vital part of India’s ecological heritage. Recognizing the dwindling tiger population, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was amended in 2006 to establish the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and empower states to notify areas as Tiger reserves. These reserves go beyond …
Plantation forestry in Kerala has rich history dating back to the colonial period when large-scale plantations of cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber and spices were established, transforming the landscape and serving the economic interests of the colonial administration. After independence, the focus shifted to meeting the demand for timber and wood products, leading to …
Forestry Education under the Directorate of Forestry Education The Directorate of Forestry Education (DFE) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) oversees forestry education and training in India. The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand and the various Central for State Forest Service (CASFOS) are key institutions under DFE.
The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is a majestic species facing significant conservation challenges. Recognizing this critical need, the Government of India (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with State Forest Departments, has established designated areas known as Elephant Reserves. These reserves prioritize the protection …
Ecosystem-based approaches in forest management, particularly the ecosystem approach to forest management (EAFM), represent a paradigm shift from traditional forestry practices. Traditional forest management was primarily focused on two principles: sustained yield and normal forests. Sustained yield aimed to maintain a balance between consumption and regeneration, ensuring that the rate of harvest does not exceed …
Stretching for 590 kilometers, Kerala’s coastline offers a diverse habitat, dotted with rocks, inlets, backwaters and seawalls. Olive Ridley turtles are frequent nesting visitors, while green turtles have been documented nesting on the southern coast near Quilon. Leatherback turtles, though occasionally found stranded, do not nest in this region. In the 1920s, T.H.Cameron, a district …
The State Forest Training Institute Walayar at Palakkad, the State Forest Training Institute Arippa in Thiruvananthapuram and the Forestry Training Centre at PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram are the main Forestry Training Centres under the HRD wing of Kerala Forest Department. State Forest Training Institute, Walayar Kerala Forest School, Walayar was established vide GO(MS)1220/ 61/Agri dated 5.12.1961 …
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity in the world. The forests of Kerala, located in the Western Ghats, is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, including tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Forest resource planning in these regions involves the systematic assessment, …
Forest health monitoring is a critical component of sustainable forest management, aimed at assessing and maintaining the vitality, productivity and resilience of forest ecosystems. It involves a systematic and regular assessment of various indicators that reflect the condition of forests including tree health, species composition, forest structure and environmental factors such as soil quality and …
Government of Kerala
