Division of Nature Education at SACON involves in activities to inculcate love for Nature and conservation awareness among people, especially the younger generation. The programmes are being conducted for spreading the message of conservation of nature with focus on birds. We encourage all nature lovers and all those who are interested in observation and learning from nature. This is an attempt ‘to learn how to learn from Nature’ with a mission to EXPLORE the world around us, SHARE whatever we see and learn, and nurture the feeling of CARE.
Research Scholars
Mr. Joseph Reginald, PhD Scholar
Interests: He is interested in field level action for conservation of biodiversity and natural resources. Another long term interest is on animal welfare activities in Coimbatore and surrounding region.
PhD: Diversity and habitat preference of bats (Order Chiroptera) of Coimbatore
Mr. ARUN GEORGE, Junior Research Biologist
Contact: arungeorgep96@gmail.com
I completed my Master’s in Zoology from the University of Calicut, Kerala. I live in close proximity to the “Kole wetlands” in Thrissur, which are a part of the Ramsar site that encompasses Vembanad Lake. Those wetland ecosystems were where I first learned the fundamentals of birdwatching; my interest in migratory waterbirds led me to visit those areas frequently. I’m interested in studying birds and their habitat. The Asian Waterbird Census put me in touch with the local birding community in Kerala in 2016. After that, I volunteered with the Kerala Bird Atlas Programme and took part in several forest surveys throughout the state. I recently took on the role of Hotspot reviewer for the Kerala ebird Community.
Work experience: After completing my master’s degree, I started working in 2019 for SACON as a junior research biologist on an Environmental Impact assessment project in Andhra Pradesh. I was in charge of the Bird and Mammal components of that study. As of the year 2020, I joined the Wildlife Research Conservation Trust, a nongovernmental organisation based in Kerala (WRCT). We analysed the effects of the Granite Quarries in Kerala on the Environment. I began working on the Biodiversity Assessment in the Chambal River of Kota, Rajasthan in 2021 as a Project Associate for the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. I am engaged by SACON as a Junior Research Biologist since December 2021, and I am currently engaged in a project to develop state-level action plans for implementing a visionary perspective plan for conserving avian diversity, their ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes in the state of Assam.
ASHIQ PP, Junior Research Biologist and Ph.D. Scholar
Contact: ashiqleo7@gmail.com
My field of research intersects avian ecology with urban planning. I am looking at an interdisciplinary approach to integrate various aspects of urban ecology and applied ornithology. I did my Master’s in Zoology from the University of Madras where I secured First rank and Gold Medal. I have received my training on “ecosystem services and green GDP” from IISc Bangalore under the GSDP program of MoEF&CC, Govt. of India. My interest in avian ecology developed during my work as a Project Fellow under Kerala Biodiversity Board where I studied the influence of landscape change in biodiversity composition in the flood hit areas of Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve.
Currently, I am a Ph.D. scholar trying to understand the urban ecology of birds wherein I a integrating anthropology and urbanization and avian ecology. I am also working as a Junior Research Biologist on the project “Bird and wildlife hazards management in select Indian Civil Airfields”. Most of my work focuses on the sustainable management of bird attractants in and around the airfield to reduce bird strikes to aircrafts. Moreover, the issue is addressed from a multi-dimensional perspective involving landscape level understanding of the habitat, trophic level intervention, Anthropological understanding, and socio-cultural significance.
National Nature Camping programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in environment education which is aimed at creating greater awareness, understanding and empathy of children for environment. Through this initiative it is hoped that a child who goes through middle school (Classes 6th to 8th ) will get at least one opportunity for a 2-3 day camping experience. These camps are aimed to motivate them towards conservation-oriented lifestyles and to encourage qualities of leadership, exploration and nature observation. The ‘Nature experience’ given to children and teachers has huge potential to trigger the sensitivity towards nature appreciation and conservation, leading to positive environmental actions at different levels.
Exploring Nature through birds (ENTB) is a science education programme of Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore executed in collaboration with many partners across India. This programme is catalysed and supported by the National Council for Science and Technology and Communication (NCSTC) of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The Programme “Simple Tasks, Great Concepts” is a programme of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India conducted by SACON along with Ecoscience Research Foundation, Chennai. This programme is aimed to improve the teaching of life science through simple to do experiments at school. A set of 100 simple to do life science experiments which can be carried out using simple things that we find around us are taught to them. Nature Education Division at SACON coordinated and conducted this 5 day workshop for teachers from all over Tamil Nadu and a few districts of Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Around 85 teachers participated in this 5 day workshop in 3 clusters.
SACON had launched DNA Clubs (DBT’s Natural Resource Awareness Clubs) on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India in select schools of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These clubs operate as nuclei for activities and hands-on learning opportunities focused on bio-resources, relating these to the school curriculum where ever appropriate.
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Celebration glimpses of National Wildlife Week 2022 at SACON _ Nature walk with kids of age group 14 to 17 on Oct 6th 2022.
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Students of 5th to 8th grade of Mater Dei International School, CBE visited SACON on Sept 23, 2022, for an exposure visit. The students had an interactive session by putting their questions on wildlife with Dr Aditi Mukherjee & went on a nature trail.
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On Sept 17, 2022, students from the Photography Club of Yuva Bharathi School, Coimbatore visited SACON . The students received a briefing about the institution and Wildlife photography by Senior Principal Scientist, Dr. Pramod.
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Activities in August 2022
The World Elephant Day Celebration 2022
Independence Day 2022
Activities in July 2022
Three-day Nature Programme – Vel International Public School
On July 18, 19, and 21 a total of 109 students from the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades of Vel International Public School visited SACON in three batches. The students had a brief discussion about the research activities of SACON with Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist. They went on the nature trails on the campus to learn about birds and nature around them with Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, and research volunteers Ms. Harshitha, Mr. Arun George, and Ms. Santhoshini, Junior Research Biologists. A documentary about the institution “SACON-Inservice of Nation” was also screened for awareness.
One-day Nature Programme – Mysore University
On July 21, 37 students from the Department of Social Work, University of Mysore paid a visit to SACON. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, gave them a brief about the research activities of SACON and took them on a Nature trail accompanied by the research volunteers Ms. Harshitha and Ms. Santhoshini, Junior Research Biologists.
One-day Nature Programme – Vidya Vanam School
On July 13, 40 Students from the 4th and 5th grades of Vidya Vanam School, Coimbatore, visited SACON for an exposure visit. They were taught about Birds, and Butterflies in general and were taken for a walk on the Nature trail inside the campus to experience, learn and enjoy Nature.
Activities in June 2022
International Yoga Day Celebration
SACON celebrated India’s 8th International yoga Day 2022 with its faculty, staff, researchers, and students from different Schools. A yoga competition and a quiz on yoga were also conducted for school students of Coimbatore.
One-day Nature Programme – Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
On June 17, 10 Environmental Science Department students, TNAU Coimbatore, visited SACON. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, took them on a Nature trail inside the campus. Followed this, Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist, gave them a talk about the past/ongoing activities and research of SACON. The students then visited the eco-toxicology laboratory and had a session with Dr. S. Muralidharan, Director-in charge, and Dr. K. Nambirajan, Project Scientist, explaining about the equipment used in the laboratory.
One-day Nature Programme – KGISL Institute of Technology
On June 8, 20 Students from the Photography Club of KGISL Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, visited SACON to learn about birds and to experiment with wildlife photography. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, briefed them regarding the institution and took them to the nature trails of SACON, accompanied by research volunteers of SACON.
Celebrating The World Environment Day & 32nd Foundation Day of SACON
SACON jointly celebrated World Environment Day and its Foundation Day on June 5. A total of 180 people, including the general public, school children, faculty, staff, and researchers, participated in the programme. We conducted Nature walks led by Dr. Rajah Jayapal, Senior Principal Scientist, Dr. Mahendran, Senior Scientist, and Dr. C.R. Jaya Prakash, Professor, PSG College of Arts & Science along with the researchers of SACON. Followed by that a talk on SACON’s 32nd Foundation Day by Dr. Muralidharan, Director-in-charge, and a puppet show by Mr. J. Anandh Raj, a well-known ventriloquist and puppeteer, who teaches art at Government Higher Secondary School, Vilankurichi, Coimbatore, and his team performed for the audience with a message on the significance of celebrating the World Environment Day. This was followed by musicals by SACON researchers, a yoga awareness talk by Mr. Palani Kumar from the Isha foundation. To raise awareness and enthusiasm among the young participants, “Spot the Bird” competition was conducted for students under the age of 17.
Activities in May 2022
Countdown to #46DaystoIDY
On May 6, SACON conducted a Yoga session to mark the countdown of 46 days to International Yoga Day on the theme “Yoga for wellbeing” in sync with MOEFCC. A total of 80 people, including SACON’s faculty, staff, and researchers, participated in the programme.
Celebrating World Fish Migration Day and International Day for Biological Diversity 2022
To commemorate World Fish Migration Day (May 21) and International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), SACON organized an event on May 20 with the Eco club members and Students of Minerva Educational Institute, Coimbatore. Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore, Scientist, SACON, delivered a talk on “Fish Migration Stories.” A Plantation drive followed this under the guidance of Dr. P.V. Karunakaran, Senior Principal Scientist, SACON, who explained the medicinal values of the plant saplings (Neem, Tamarind, Jamun, Wild Guava, Pongamia). Students and faculty members of SACON and Minerva institute planted the samplings at the SACON campus. This was followed by a clean-up drive along the sides of the streams in and around the campus led by Dr. Mahendiran Mylswamy, Senior Scientist, SACON, and Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore. All the participants of the events received appreciation certificates. Parallelly, a photo contest related to one of the actions for biodiversity by the Convention on Biological Diversity, “Let’s take pictures, not samples”, was conducted online through social media handles.
Exhibition on the International Day for Biological Diversity, Chennai
The National Biodiversity Authority, Government of India, organized a national-level event to commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity 2022 on the theme of “Nutritional Security and Human wellbeing” in Chennai. The program was inaugurated by Hon’ble MEF&CC, Shri Bhupender Yadhav on May 22. SACON’s team participated and exhibited SACON’s past/ongoing research activities and publications at the event’s exhibition.
Talk by SACON Faculty on International Day for Biological Diversity 2022
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, an invited lecture was organised by Biological Research Cell, Department of Zoology, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for women, Goa, in collaboration with SACON. Dr. Manchi Shrish, Principal Scientist and Head of Conservation Ecology Division, delivered a lecture on “Wonders of Cave Ecosystem.”
One-day Nature Programme – Karpagam Academy of Higher Education
On May 30, 14 students from the Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education College, Coimbatore, visited SACON. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, gave them an introduction to SACON’s research activities. The participants got hands-on experience with practical tools and techniques at the Eco-toxicology under Dr. K. Nambirajan, Project Scientist, and at the Avian Physiology and Genetics Laboratories under Mr. Kunal Mohobiya, Junior Research Biologist.
Activities In April 2022
One Day Nature Programme – CMS College of Science and Commerce
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students of Biotechnology from CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore, visited SACON on April 20 for laboratory experience. Dr. Nambirajan provided a detailed explanation of practical tools and techniques in the Eco-toxicology laboratory. Mr. Kunal Mohobiya and Mr. Surendra provided a detailed description of practical tools and techniques in the Avian Physiology and Genetics laboratory (JRBs). They also had a session on the research activities of SACON and went on a nature trail inside the campus with Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant
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Visit of State Forest Service Officer Trainees (ACF Level, 2022 – 2024)
The Central Academy for State Forest Service Officer Trainees (ACF Level, 2022 – 2024) paid a visit to SACON on April 19. They had a session with Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist, on SACON’s past/current research activities and sessions on ‘Wildlife Trade and Forensic’ with Dr. Ashutosh Singh, Scientist, and ‘Conserving our Freshwater Biodiversity’ with Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore, Scientist. They also went to the Eco-toxicology and Avian Physiology and Genetics Laboratories to get hands-on experience with practical tools and techniques. The officers went birding on the campus’s Nature trails, accompanied by researchers Ms. Angel Joy, Mr. Arun George, Mr. Siddhesh Bhor, and Ms. Sri Sowmiya M.
Nature Awareness Programs for NCC Cadets of PSG iTech
On April 13, NCC cadets of PSG iTech visited SACON for exposure and a one-day nature awareness programme. They had a session on SACON’s research activity and went for birding on the campus’s Nature trail with Ms. Sri Sowmiya M, Nature Education Assistant, and Mr. Siddhesh Bhor (JRB). They also had a presentation on ‘Introduction to Birds and Bird Watching’, followed by a Wildlife movie screening session.
A One-Day Faculty Development Programme for the Department of Zoology Professors, Bishop Heber College
On April 12, 13 faculty members from Bishop Heber College visited SACON for a one-day faculty development programme. They went on a nature trail walk with Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant. They had a session on SACON’s research activities with Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist, before attending a lecture on ‘Birds as Indicators of Environmental Health’ by Dr. Murlidharan, Director-in-Charge. They also went to the SACON Library, and Eco-toxicology, and Avian Physiology and Genetics laboratories.
One Day Nature Programme – NGP College of Arts and Science
On April 11, students from the NGP College of Arts and Science’s Bio-chemistry Department came to SACON for an exposure visit. They had a one-day programme on SACON, a walk on the Nature trail inside the campus with Ms. Sri Sowmiya M and Mr. Siddhesh Bhor, JRB, and a visit to the Eco-toxicology and Avian Physiology laboratories, a SACON documentary screening, and a presentation on Birds.
One Day Nature Programme – Avinashilingam University
Zoology department students of Avinashilingam University visited SACON on April 5 for an exposure visit as a part of their curriculum. They had a session with Dr.Aditi Mukherjee about SACON and discussed their career options. Researchers Ms. Angel Joy, Mr. Ashiq PP, Dr. S. Jeevith, and Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, took them on a nature trail. After that, they had a session on “Introduction to Birds and Bird Watching.”
Activities In March 2022
One Day Nature Programme – Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science
Postgraduate Students from the Research Department of Botany, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science, visited SACON on March 30. After attending a session on SACON’s research activities, they went on campus nature trails with researchers Dr. S. Jeevith, Mr. Arun George, Mr. Siddhesh Bhor, and Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant. They also visited Library and the Eco-toxicology laboratory. Dr. S. Jeevith, Research Associate, also gave a session on “Plant-bird interactions” and how to identify birds using field guides and Android apps.
One Day Nature Programme – Bharathiyar University
On March 25, students from the Department of Environmental Science at Bharathiyar University in Coimbatore paid an exposure visit to SACON. We held a one-day programme on ‘Introduction to Ornithological Research’, a walk on the campus’s Nature trail with Ms. Sri Sowmiya M, a Wildlife movie screening, and training on Bird Species Identification and survey methods.
One Day Nature Programme – Nirmala College of Arts and Science
On March 24, students from the Department of Commerce at Nirmala College of Arts & Science in Coimbatore paid an exposure visit to SACON. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, discussed SACON activities and led students on a nature trail on the SACON campus. She also gave a presentation on ‘Introduction to Birds and Bird Watching Techniques.’ We also screened documentaries ‘SACON – Inservice of Nation’ and ‘A Day in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’ for the students.
Fiesta March’22
The Coimbatore Arts & Theatrical Society, in collaboration with SACON, hosted a “Fiesta March’22” event on March 25 at the ITC Welcomhotel, Coimbatore. The ‘Let’s Talk’ event was a round table interactive session on the topic “The Life Around Us” with Dr. P. Pramod, Sr. Principal Scientist, SACON, and Mr. Ramasubramanium IFS, Conservator of Forests, curated by environmentalist Mr. Amit Mathur. It was an invitation to all concerned citizens to listen and decide together on the best way to protect and improve Coimbatore’s ecosystem in the coming years.
World Sparrow Day Celebration – March 20, 2022 SACON held a Story Contest called ‘Share your Sparrow Story’ to raise awareness and love for the Sparrow. We asked for stories about how people are emotionally, culturally, and otherwise connected to sparrows. The best ones are to be published in the SACON Newsletter.
One-day Nature Programme – Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
On March 16, students of the Department of Environmental Science from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, paid an exposure visit to SACON. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, discussed SACON activities and led students on a nature trail on the SACON campus. She also gave a presentation on ‘Introduction to Birds and Bird Watching Techniques.
One Day Nature Programme – Mahatma Vidya Mandir School
On March 10, students of classes 5 to 10 from Mahatma Vidya Mandir School in Vettaikaranpudur, Pollachi, visited SACON for an exposure visit. This one-day programme was designed to expose children to nature. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, guided the students through the campus’s Nature Trail. They learned about observing plants and animals while enjoying the mountain view. They were eager to identify the birds they saw on the field using a PowerPoint presentation on birds following the walk.
One Day Nature Programme – Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
On March 8, B.Tech, Energy and Environmental Engineering (EEE) students from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, paid an exposure visit to SACON. Dr. Muralidharan, Senior Principal Scientist and Director in Charge, delivered a talk titled “Birds as an Indicator of Environmental Health.” Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist, briefed the audience on SACON’s research activities and demonstrated her Ph.D. research on burrow-dwelling animals. Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, then took the students to a Nature trail on the SACON campus. The students gained an understanding of various interesting bird behaviours and bird-watching techniques.
Wildlife Life Art Workshop – 2022
Expressing wildlife through colours is more of a science than art. SACON organised a workshop to teach students how to express their love for nature through colour.
Mr. Lenin Dani Raj, a freelance wildlife artist, used his artworks to teach the fundamentals of bird art. He also discussed why wildlife art is important from a conservation standpoint, and he exposed 25 Vidya Vanam School students from 9th and 12th grades to wildlife art. In this one-day programme sponsored and organised by SACON, students also went on a nature trail and had an introduction to birds session.
Nature Writing Workshop – 2022
SACON hosted an online “Nature Writing Workshop” on March 4 to learn and express observations about nature through writing. The workshop covered various conservation topics and writing styles, and 30 participants received e-certificates. Ms. Jeshi K, Senior Assistant Editor /Special Correspondent Metroplus, the feature desk-The Hindu, was the resource person with 20 years of experience in Science Communications.
Activities In February 2022
10th Edition of The HSBC India Coimbatore Bird Race – 2022
On February 27, the 10th edition of the HSBC India Coimbatore Bird Race was held successfully. This event was co-organized by SACON and Sálim Ali Naturalist Forum (SANF) in collaboration with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC). The All-India Coordinator for the India Bird Races is ‘The Yuhina Canopy,’ and the Facilitating Partner is ‘United Way Mumbai.’ A total of 26 teams of birders recorded 236 bird species during this one-day dawn to the dusk event. Each team had three to four members of varying ages, including novice and experienced bird watchers. Participants this year uploaded their data to eBird due to covid pandemic restrictions. After completing the fieldwork, they all met virtually to share their experiences. All the successful groups received prize money of Rs. 2000/- each from HSBC India.
Visit of TNFA Forest Range Officer Trainees
On February 24, TNFA Forest Range Officer trainees visited SACON as part of their Induction Training course – 2021-23 (VIII) batch. They had a series of lectures on ‘SACON and its past/ongoing research activities’ by Dr. Aditi Mukherjee, Scientist, ‘Wildlife Trade and Forensic’ by Dr. Ashutosh Singh, Scientist, ‘Bird Conservation: Global and Local Perspectives’ by Dr. M. Mahendiran, Senior Scientist, ‘Human-wildlife interaction’ by Dr.T.Ramesh, Scientist and ‘Techniques of Bird watching’ by Sri Sowmiya M, Nature Education Assistant. They visited the Eco-toxicology and Avian Physiology and Genetics Laboratories to get hands-on experience with practical tools and techniques. Researchers Ms. Santhoshini, Ms. Deepti, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, and Ms. Sri Sowmiya, Nature Education Assistant, took them to campus’s nature trails for bird watching.
