Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the ICAR-NAARM Campus, Hyderabad, India

There are many advantages of biodiversity such as the conservation of the natural heritage of a particular area, and enhancement of the urban environment, biodiversity connects people, and it also helps to create a hub for education, cultural and conservation activities. The present study deals with an innovative work as a biodiversity park in an area of three acres of land at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad by conserving the existing native trees and other plant species. The total area of ICAR-NAARM campus is 125 acres, out of which 4 acres of existing land were brought under the biodiversity park in the past five years. The concept of developing a biodiversity park at ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad was worked out with the officials of the All India Network Project (AINP) on Vertebrate Pest Management (VPM) of PJTSAU, Hyderabad and the committee members of biodiversity development constituted at NAARM based on the recommendations of the Research Advisory Committee of the Academy. After having several talks and meetings with external and internal experts the following themes were considered to be included in the biodiversity park by protecting the existing tree and plant species. The main aim of developing this park is to conserve local flora and fauna consisting of native tree/plant species, reptiles, birds, butterflies and several insects. It is focused on theme-based plantations which have ecological and aesthetic values in mind and several existing tree species were conserved and many more are added by planting. While planting, importance was given to the fragrant flowering creepers/plants, which helped to increase the population of butterflies and various insects. A variety of turf grasses was also considered for planting to attract several insects for the survival of birds and to maintain the ecological balance. Regarding the plantation of various local species viz., flame of the forest (Butea monosperma L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos L.), Wood apple (Aurantioideae L.), Bamboo spp. (Bambusoideae L.) and medicinal/herbal plant varieties were included for their conservation as well to raise awareness among the commuters and visitors about the local flora and fauna. This area is naturally sloppy from the western part towards the east side, which was also helped us to develop a water harvesting pond. This park serves as a showcase for the Academy for the flora and fauna. The important birds, reptiles and butterflies are found in the campus, which includes peacock, sparrow, kingfisher, quail, crane, rabbit, mongoose and many more in the list.