Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund

In a significant move to revive stalled wildlife conservation efforts, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has reassigned the management of its ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur. The decision follows administrative delays and inactivity within the originally designated agency, the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA).

Why in News?

The Tamil Nadu government’s ambitious plan to safeguard endangered species through a dedicated conservation fund faced a setback due to the non-functional status of the State Forest Development Agency. In response, the Forest Department has now entrusted the fund’s management to the AIWC, ensuring timely and effective deployment of resources.

Background and Objective

• Announced in 2024, the Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund has a corpus of ₹50 crore.
• Initial management was assigned to the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA).
• Fund was to be temporarily held by the Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation or Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation.
• The objective is to survey, assess, and map endangered species and build conservation partnerships.

Problem Identified

• SFDA found to be defunct and inactive, unable to fulfill the conservation objectives.
• Plans to create a new trust or society were dropped due to delays (estimated 6 months).

Revised Management

• The Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, has been entrusted with the fund.
• AIWC is recently registered as a society and is recognized for its research and conservation work.

Key Conservation Targets

The fund will support research grants and conservation efforts for species including,

• Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat
• Malabar Civet
• White-rumped Vulture
• Nilgiris Wart Frog
• White-spotted Bush Frog
• Anamalai Flying Frog

Significance

• The shift ensures that urgent conservation needs are addressed without administrative delays.
• Enhances Tamil Nadu’s biodiversity protection roadmap, especially outside protected areas.