Wildlife Sciences

About the Department

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DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE SCIENCES

Mission Statement

Developing quality human resource in Wildlife is our mandate, seeking scientific solutions to conservation problems is our mission

The Department of Wildlife Sciences was established in 1986 by late Prof. Abbas Hussain Musavi. Late Dr. Salim Ali, the doyen of Indian ornithology, played a pivotal role in establishment of the Department. The Department has a unique distinction of being the first and only post graduate Department in the Indian University System to formally start education and scientific research in the field of wildlife conservation and management. Today the department is recognized all over the country for its quality trained human resource in Wildlife and impeccable record of advance research in wildlife biology and ecology. The trained human resource in wildlife is working with various wildlife organizations of national and international repute such as Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society, WWF-India, Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal and several universities and colleges.

The Department has got recognition not only in India but abroad as well. During its initial phase of establishment the Department has successfully completed five year ALIS Link programme under the aegis of British Council UGC/AMU (between 1987 & 1992). The faculty members of the department have been successful in obtaining research grant from national such as Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Environment & Forests and international agencies such as US Fish & Wildlife Service, USAID and so far 41 research projects have already been implemented at total cost of Rs. 7 crore till date. The Department of Wildlife Sciences has the unique distinction of implementing research projects in Yemen (PAM-HAWF-2) and Afghanistan (Wakhan Corridor). These projects have provided temporary jobs to large number of students and local people for varying periods and have made significant contribution in the field of wildlife conservation.

Prof. Jamal A Khan co-authored the Diversification & Expansion Plan 2007-2017 and he introduced four new courses in the Department of Wildlife sciences in 2007. As per the diversification plan, the Department of Wildlife Sciences was to be upgraded into Faculty status under 12th five year plan with addition of new Departments. The Section of Biodiversity Studies upgraded one year PG Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation & Management into two years M.Sc. program in Biodiversity Studies & Management in 2012 and recently the the 1st batch of this M.Sc. program has passed out in 2014. The Aligarh Muslim University has approved proposal for establishing Faculty of Environmental Sciences with following three post graduate Department of Studies:

1. Department of Wildlife Sciences

2. Department of Biodiversity & Environmental Studies

3. Department of Climate Change Studies

The University Grant Commission has also accorded its approval for establishment of the Department of Biodiversity & Environmental Studies. The Department of Wildlife Sciences is committed for excellence in the field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation through teaching, extension and research activities. Apart from teaching and research, the Department organizes Dr. Salim Ali Memorial Lecture annually whereby eminent scientists of national and international repute are invited for extension lecture.

The Department of Wildlife Sciences is part of the prestigious DST, GOI PURSE initiative and its faculty members have held memberships on national and state statutory bodies responsible for policy and direct conservation action.