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.
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
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
Nature club student members of Lavale campus are involved in regular documentation of flora and fauna and various conservation activities.
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.
Awareness sessions are being organised regularly in all constituent Institutes /Departments of SIU for students and staff.
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: info_biodiversity@siu.edu.in, shilpa.avate@siu.edu.in