20/NOV/12 3-day seminar on faunal diversity begins at | KU

Srinagar, Nov 19: A three-day national level seminar on faunal diversity began at the University of Kashmir on Monday. The seminar titled “Faunal diversity: challenges and opportunities” is organized by the varsity’s Department of Zoology in collaboration with the Indian Science Congress Association. The Minister for Higher Education Abdul Gani Malik inaugurated the seminar, which is being attended by experts from various states of India. Speaking on the occasion, Malik said that human population explosion and the decline in wildlife fauna and flora is a global problem and rapid technological development made by man has resulted in irreparable loss to wildlife. “India is no exception to this,” he said, adding that many animals are at present in the list of endangered species. He said several steps have been taken for conservation of wildlife–plants and animals—which includes framing and implementation of laws, increase in protected area network, creation of national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, captive breeding. “But in spite of all this, wildlife continues to suffer and therefore a lot requires to be done,” the Minister said. He said that under such conditions scientific research on environment ecology and management assumes significance for the formulation of strategies and comprehensive management for conservation of wildlife and faunal diversity. KU’s Dean Academic Affairs Prof AM Shah described the seminar theme as relevant and innovative. Giving an overview of changing economic scenario of the country from 1991 onwards, he said that it is through innovative research only that our students and scholars can be part of the development process. KU Registrar Prof Zafar Reshi called for establishment of a bio-diversity Board in the State “to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the state.” He spelled out the urgent need for creating a work force for the documentation of biodiversity in India. Earlier Prof Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Seminar President and Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, said that loss of biodiversity is a great concern for the State. He said the need of the hour is to continue with research to address all challenges confronting the biodiversity. General Secretary ISCA Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena said the organization is meant to advance and promote the cause of science in India. “The present collaboration is bound to benefit all of us in finding ways and means to safeguard our rich bio diversity,” she said. Prof M Nayyar Azim, Head, Department of Zoology presented vote of thanks while Iram Khursheed, Research Scholar, conducted proceedings of the seminar. Others who were present on the occasion include Dr BM Arora, President Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinaries; Prof MK Jyoti, Convener, ISCA; Prof DC Goutum from HP University, Shimla; Prof K K Sharma from Jammu University.