Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)

Source: TH

Context: Tamil Nadu has transferred the management of its ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund from the defunct SFDA to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC).

• This aims to fast-track urgent conservation projects for species like Malabar civet and Salim Ali’s fruit bat.

About Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC):

• What it is: A research and conservation institute under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department providing science-backed solutions for wildlife protection.

• Established in: October 2017, located in Vandalur, Chennai.

• Objective: To promote evidence-based conservation, research, and capacity building for protecting wildlife across Tamil Nadu.

• Core Functions: Conduct field-based and captive wildlife research. Collaborate with zoological parks and institutions for training and education. Offer scientific advisories and facilitate conservation technology deployment. Support grant-funded research on threatened species under the new fund.

• Conduct field-based and captive wildlife research.

• Collaborate with zoological parks and institutions for training and education.

• Offer scientific advisories and facilitate conservation technology deployment.

• Support grant-funded research on threatened species under the new fund.

• Recent Focus: Studying and conserving rare species like Salim Ali’s fruit bat and the Malabar large-spotted civet.

About Malabar Large-Spotted Civet:

• What it is: A critically endangered carnivorous mammal found in the Western Ghats, also known as Viverra civettina.

• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (CR)

• Physical Traits: Weighs around 18–20 lbs and estimated to be 4 feet in length. Features include grey fur with dark spots, five white tail rings, and a distinct black dorsal crest.

• Weighs around 18–20 lbs and estimated to be 4 feet in length.

• Features include grey fur with dark spots, five white tail rings, and a distinct black dorsal crest.

• Biological Traits: Nocturnal and solitary in behavior. Females usually bear 2–3 offspring per litter.

• Nocturnal and solitary in behavior.

• Females usually bear 2–3 offspring per litter.

• Habitat: Previously in lowland forests, now confined to cashew plantations and fragmented habitats due to deforestation.

• Dietary Habits: Feeds on reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, small mammals, eggs, and fruits.