Zoological Survey of India History and Collections

Environmental Studies Course

• The duration of the compulsory core module course in Environmental Studies for undergraduate students is not specified.
• The syllabus is divided into 8 units for Environmental Studies.

Unit 8: Focus

• Unit 8 of the syllabus focuses on field experiences, which are considered essential in environmental studies.

Importance of Field Experiences

• Field experiences are essential because they allow students to observe and interact with their surroundings, leading to a better understanding of the environment.

Role of the Teacher

• The teacher plays a crucial role in facilitating field studies, guiding students to explore and learn from their surroundings.

Utilizing Course Material

• Universities and colleges should utilize the course material provided by UGC to create a comprehensive and engaging course structure.

Components of Field

• Some components of the field mentioned in the text include natural landscapes, wilderness ecosystems, and rural agricultural systems.

Our Surroundings

• Most of our surroundings are described as natural landscapes, which are the source of various resources for surrounding villages.

Dependence on Natural Resources

• Surrounding villages depend on natural landscapes for resources such as water, food, and fuel.

Link to Daily Lives

• Our daily lives are linked to our surroundings, and our daily activities have a direct impact on the environment.

Traditional Societies

• In most traditions, the environment is referred to as "Mother Nature" or "Mother Earth", highlighting the importance of respecting nature.

Importance of Respecting Nature

• Respecting nature is vital for traditional societies because it ensures the long-term survival of their communities and the environment.

Growth of Industrial Complexes

• The growth of industrial complexes has led to the rapid exploitation of natural resources, resulting in environmental degradation.

Urbanization

• Growth of urban areas has increased the disparity between what the land can produce and what people consume, leading to resource depletion.

Urban Centers

• Urban centers rely on natural resources such as water, food, and energy for their existence.

Rural Agricultural Systems

• Rural agricultural systems are dependent on natural resources such as soil, water, and sunlight.

Impact of Resource Movement

• The movement of natural resources from wilderness ecosystems to urban areas has resulted in the depletion of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity.

Effect on Wilderness Dwellers

• The shift of resources from rural areas to urban centers has led to the marginalization of wilderness dwellers and the loss of their traditional livelihoods.

Conservation Policy

• The early policies on wilderness conservation and wildlife management in the US in the 1920s were designed by Aldo Leopold.

Rachel Carson's Book

• Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" (1962) led to a change in government policy and public awareness regarding the effects of pesticides on the environment.

Book on Biological Diversity

• Edward O. Wilson wrote the book "Diversity of Life" (1993), highlighting the importance of biological diversity.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• The ZSI currently operates from 16 regional centers.
• The ZSI's collection has approximately 80,000 specimens.
• The collections of the Asiatic Society of Bengal were transferred to the ZSI between 1916 and 1947.

Medicinal Plants

• Medicinal plants are traditionally used for health remedies and are an essential component of natural landscapes.

Market Use of Forest Products

• Forest products are used for various commercial purposes, including timber, fuel, and minor forest produce.

Minor Forest Produce

• Examples of minor forest produce include fruits, nuts, and spices.

Timber Extraction

• Major timber extraction in India is responsible for deforestation and habitat destruction.

Causes of Forest Loss

• A serious cause of loss of forests in India and worldwide is the rapid exploitation of natural resources for urbanization and industrialization.

India's Forest Wealth

• India's residual forest wealth has dwindled sharply in recent years due to rapid deforestation and habitat destruction.

Learn about the origins and collections of the Zoological Survey of India, which dates back to the 19th century. Explore its significant contributions to taxonomy and ecology, and discover its vast collection of over a million specimens.