Symbiosis International (Deemed) University is conscious of the adverse aspects of development and benefits of ecological diversity for the sustainable development of human beings and especially for educational Institutions. Being one of the top progressive Universities in India, SIU lays a strong emphasis on building responsibility for all to conserve and enhance the biodiversity landscape. As a part of this initiative, the University has established a University Biodiversity Committee to nurture biodiversity, create awareness through education, foster the spirit of respect for nature amidst human interaction with environment and ensure conservation of key site areas of the University campus and various Constituent Institute/ Departments of Symbiosis.
The cell has been established to study, collect data and document all biodiversity conservation related matters in 350 acres of the University’s campus and surrounding areas.
'Fauna of Symbiosis International University', a pictorial field guide has been published in July 2018. 191 species of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and mammals documented at University, Lavale campus are documented in the book. The copies of the book are available for sale in the University’s Central Library.
Shri Siddhanta Das, Director General of Forest and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, SIU, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor, SIU, Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU
University Biodiversity Committee members Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Dr. Prakash Rao and Shilpa Avate with Shri Siddhanta Das, Director General of Forest and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, SIU, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor, SIU
Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU during book release function on July 4, 2018.
A handy pictorial field guide on Flora of Lavale campus with an updated list of floristic diversity is currently being planned. As part of this initiative, monthly field surveys are being conducted by the Biodiversity cell, student nature club along with expert botanists to document flora on campus
Dr. Parag Mahajan, Ms Revati Gindi, Botanist with Shilpa Avate, Biodiversity Officer, SIU and Omkar Rao, Student of Symbiosis School of Visual Arts And Photography
Amisha Kanijilal, Student Symbiosis School of Visual Arts And Photography with Botanist Ms. Revati Gindi during flora documentation
The University has developed three butterfly gardens at its Lavale campus. Saplings of more than 2000 food plants and nectar plants are planted at these three sites. Around 40 species of butterflies and many types of moth species are seen on the campus.
All images captured by Shilpa Avate, Biodiversity Officer, SIU
Butterfly Garden site on Hill top Lavale campus in front of Student Mess
Butterfly Garden site at Hill top Lavale campus behind Old girl’s hostel
Common emigrant documented in butterfly garden
Jewel bug documented in butterfly garden
Signature Spider documented in butterfly garden
Common jezebel documented in butterfly garden
Horsefly documented in butterfly garden
Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Dr. Shubhalaxi renowned butterfly and moth experts are consulted for developing butterfly gardens on the campus
Nature club student members of Lavale campus are involved in regular documentation of flora and fauna and various conservation activities.
Students during Nature walk in June 2019
Students during Nature Walk in July 2019
Students during Night Trail in July 2019
Students during Nature walk in August 2019
Students during plastic cleaning Drive on campus August 4, 2019
The Lavale campus has built two Bandharas (water storage reservoirs) of total storage capacity of about 30,000,000 litres of freshwater. Eco restoration along the banks of the Bandharas has been carried out and several aquatic vegetation have been introduced. Big rocks added at the banks to attract birds to perch on.
Bandhara during monsoon
Birds perch on stones at Bandhara
Ruddy Shelduck, migratory ducks arrive at Bandhara from Himachal Pradesh and Ladhak and being documented since last two years
Awareness sessions are being organised regularly in all constituent Institutes /Departments of SIU for students and staff.
Dr. Varad Giri is a renowned scientist and Herpetologist in India. Members of Nature club attended his workshop to understand reptile diversity on campus.
Dr. Radheshyam Sharma, Deputy Director, Zoological Survey of India (Retd) was invited to interact with students on insects and moth diversity on campus.
Aishwarya Sridhar is a young face of wildlife photography & film-making. She interacted with students on film making as a tool in wildlife conservation.
Dr. Dhananjay Wakhale, Honey bee expert guided Biodiversity Cell understanding various honey bee species we find in our campus and its importance to ecosystem.
With the assistance of constituent Institutes/ Departments, the Biodiversity cell hosts conferences on wildlife and conservation
Contact details:
Miss. Shilpa Avate,
Biodiversity Officer, SIU
Telephone: 020 28116246/ 9623122001
Email: biodiversitycell@siu.edu.in, shilpa.avate@siu.edu.in
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