Port Blair, Nov 28: Andaman & Nicobar Islands are known for its extraordinary geological features, exceptional range of rich biodiversity, endemic flora and fauna, threatened species and species which are restricted to these islands. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History(SACON), Coimbatore is one of the Indian scientific institutions to work in Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a special focus on this unique island for the past 20 years.
As part of Silver Jubilee Celebrations, SACON organized a two-day workshop on ‘Ecology and Conservation of Andaman & Nicobar Biodiversity’ in Port Blair on 24th and 25th November 2016. The workshop deliberated upon various aspects of ecology and conservation of A&N biodiversity. SACON has invited researchers / scientists from all over the country who have worked or have been working on A&N biodiversity to this workshop and they shared the rich experience of their valuable research work.
The programme conducted in the auditorium of Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Research, Dolly Gunj, Port Blair. Dr. Alok Saxena, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman Nicobar Islands has lauded the positive role SACON played in conservation of Andaman Nicobar Ecology while inaugurating the workshop. Shri. M. S. Negi, Chief Wildlife Warden and PCCF of A& N islands, Guest of Honour, has pointed out many SACON projects and highlighted the importance in natural resource conservation of Islands and invited all scientists to take proactive role. While Dr. K.Sankar, Director of SACON welcomed the gathering and delivered a talk on “Research activities and accomplishments (1990-2016) in Andaman & Nicobar Islands by SACON”, Dr. Vijayachari, Director, Regional Medical Research Centre gave the felicitation address.
During the inaugural session of the workshop SACON released two publications namely,
1. Social organization, behaviour and phylogeography of Macaca fascicularis umbrosa on the Nicobar Islands, India.
2. A Compendium on SACON’s research work in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Total of 18 papers were presented in four technical sessions [viz 1) Conservation and Management of Forests and Wildlife in A&N Islands, 2) Conservation of Birds in the A&N Islands 3) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and 4) Conservation Education] by scientists from SACON and nine other organizations, NGOs and attended by over 100 deligates and participants.. The workshop discussed a wide range of wildlife and conservation issues related to A& N islands. After the technical sessions a discussion meeting of participants highlighted the major research gaps and conservation and education issues in the islands. Director, SACON informed that he will send the minutes of the meeting as recommendation of the workshop to forest officials of A & N islands.
