6. Forests, Wildlife and Environment - Tamil Nadu Government

V. Biodiversity and Wildlife ConservationTamil Nadu is a home for a rich diversity of flora and fauna, bothdomesticated and wild, and has set aside about 16.03 % of its forest areaunder the protected area network comprising twenty Wildlife Sanctuaries,five National parks, three Biosphere Reserve, one Project Tiger and one ProjectElephant which are the protected areas. The Tamil Nadu State has animpeccable history of being a pioneer in protecting and conserving biodiversity.Inspite of the best efforts taken over the years in the conservation of biodiversity.The State is still facing challenges to protect its indigenous biodiversitydue to unchecked growth of population of humans and the livestock. This hasput tremendous pressure on the existing wilderness areas, which are shrinkingmaking space for economic development. There is also concern about thehabitat from other threats both direct and indirect on the biodiversity, whichinclude poaching, illegal smuggling of valuable endangered flora and faunaand other adverse impacts.During the Plan period, the heterogeneity and species diversity in thevarious forest types in the State will be protected and conserved. ThroughSpecies Recovery Programme critically endangered species in the WesternGhats will be reintroduced into the original tracts. The ex-situ animal andPlant centres i.e., the Arignar Anna Zoological Parks, the mini zoos and theGenepool Garden will support conservation along with the in situ conservationcentres. The protected area management will be fully oriented towardsResearch and Conservation of the rich Biodiversity. The ongoing scheme workscarried out under GOMBR Trust for Gulf of Mannar Biodiversity Reserve willbe continued till the year 2011.Almost all the wildlife related schemes areimplemented using Government of India funding. The outlay for the stateschemes under biodiversity conservation is Rs.37.93 crore.Some of the important centrally sponsored schemes implemented forwelfare of wildlife are discussed below:Night Safari: The Night Safari will be established in Arignar AnnaZoological Park, Vandalur. The main object is to inspire empathy for the wildanimals among the visitors and finally maintaining the ecological balance.The safari will be attraction for the local population, tourists from other Statesand abroad.255