ACTIVITIES

Primary Objectives

1. Exploration and Survey of Faunal Resources

   Considering the vastness of the country comprising 335 districts of the 28 States and Union territories, studying the entire fauna of India is naturally a stupndous task. The Survey in the forthcoming years has, therefore, programmed to do intensive mopping-up surveys of the entire country for its animal-life by resorting to State-wise exploration and analysis; these surveys shall show where faunal gaps lie and what additional data is needed. The Geographical areas that need to be worked out have been identified with special coverage of those where earlier zoologists had obtained `types' but which are lost, with a view to replacing them by `topotypes'. Bye 2000 A.D. gaunistic survey of the entire country is likely to be completed. While taking up an area, the bio-geographic and ecological affinities of the contiguous area also kept in mined.

   The following approaches will be followed:

   1. First Priority Areas

      Some areas requiring immediate attention are:

      1. Faunistically rich habitats; and

      2. Fragile ecosystems vulnerable to changes.

         The following areas have been identified under this category :

         1. Himalayan Ecosystem;

         2. Desert Ecosystem of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Ladakh;

         3. Marine Island Ecosystem of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep Islands; and

         4. Tropical Rain Forests (Western Ghats and North Eastern region).

   2. Second Priority Areas

      Next in priority will be the following areas which are vulnerable and have noticeable gaps in existing information/knowledge :

      1. Estuarine and Brackishwater Ecosystems in West Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh;

      2. Freshwater Ecosystems in Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, Manipur and Andhra Pradesh; and

      3. Special Conservation Areas like Biosphere Reserve, Wetlands and Mangroves.

2. Taxonomic Studies

   For surveys and collections to be done henceforth, studies shall be completed within a year of the collection. For dealing with the backlog of the collections over the past two decades, necessary strategies are being worked out. It is difficult for the Survey to fulfil its obligations with the present staff position. It is, therefore, intended to take up some collaborative programmes in the groups where outside expertise could offer additional and pertinent data in the field of research either by direct funding, or by contractual services to reputed scientists or to selected departments of academic Institutes. Collaboration in science between two Institutes, however, is not new, but the focus now shall be on more challenging and exciting frontiers.

3. Status Survey of Endangered Species

   Of the 75,000 species known in the country, 81 species of mammals, 47 of birds, 15 of reptiles, 3 of amphibians and a large number of butterflies, moths and beetles are listed as endangered. Status survey has been completed in respect of only five of the endangered apecies; the survey of the remaining will be completed on priority basis.

   Preparation of Red Data Books will also be taken up simultaneously with the surveys. Both the survey and preparation of Red Data Books on all the listed endangered species will be completed by 1995.

4. Publication of Fauna of India and Fauna of States

   Twelve volumes will be published by 1990. Up to 1991 work relating to 20 more volumes will be assigned to various experts. From 1991 to 2000 A.D. at least 50 volumes should be published.

5. National Zoological Collections (NZC)

   Maintenance and Development techniques shall be modernised.

6. Central Referral Information, Advisory and Library Services

   These services shall be strengthened.

7. Data Bank

   A computerised Data Bank of Fauna, NZC and library of the Survey will be established in order to provide quicker and more efficient system of data storage and retrieval offered by computer technology. It is hoped to complete this before 1991.

Secondary Objectives

1. Maintenance and Development of Museums at Headquarters and Regional Stations; and also the Zoological Galleries of the Indian Museum at Calcutta.

2. Environment Impact Studies

   Environmental impact studies relating to faunal aspects will be carried as a part of the functioning of the field formations of the ZSI in such areas, on specific directions from the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

   The Survey has drawn up a time frame for the achievement of the targets. The Survey has, in addition to its principal activities, drawn up the following scheme and set up monitoring systems to assess progress. The laboratories are now being adequately equipped for a very wide range of work. The number of projects is small. This is because the department is convinced that success, both in short and long term, will depend in large part on setting realistic goals that take into account immediately available resources. What we require is adequate funds for full development of the Institution, as also genuine recognition of our labours.

3. Insect Pest Identification and Surveillance

   In view of the great emphasis laid on agricultural productivity and consequently on "Pest Management", identification of both crop pests and pests of stored-grain is of paramount importance for drawing up control strategies of the pest/vector species. For this purpose, handy and interesting guide books on the Insect Pests of different crops, stored grains, etc. shall be brought out.