Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is one of the most respected institutes in India for wildlife science, conservation of biodiversity, research, education and professional training. WII was founded in the year 1982 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The main aim of establishing this institute was to improve the scientific approach towards wildlife conservation and management. The institute carries out research in various regions of India and also offers academic and professional training courses in wildlife and natural resources conservation.
WII works in collaboration with governmental departments, research institutes, universities and conservation groups in various wildlife subjects. Some of the activities carried out by WII include field research, wildlife management, biodiversity, professional training and scientific advice regarding conservation of wildlife. This institute is also a major wildlife education and research center in South Asia.
What Is the Wildlife Institute of India?
Wildlife Institute of India, popularly abbreviated as WII, is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change of the Government of India. WII’s main mandate is to develop knowledge and professional expertise in wildlife sciences and wildlife conservation.Some of the areas that WII covers through its academic and professional training programs as well as research include wildlife ecology, conservation biology, habitat management, biodiversity assessment, and wildlife management. Research carried out at WII is done through field stations located all over the country.
Wildlife Institute of India – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wildlife Institute of India |
| Abbreviation | WII |
| Established | 1982 |
| Location | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Status | Autonomous Institution |
| Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Main Focus | Wildlife research, education, training and conservation |
| Major Areas | Wildlife Science, Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation |
| Campus | Chandrabani, Dehradun |
| Official Role | National-level research and training institution for wildlife conservation |
History of Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India came into existence in 1982 in Dehradun to cater to the increasing requirements for research and professional education in wildlife management. During its initial years, the institution had to make difficult efforts in building wildlife science into a profession in India.
WII was given autonomous status by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which has since become the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in 1986. The institute was able to increase its research, educational and training programs because of the autonomy that it was provided. Over the years, WII became a very important center for wildlife science and biodiversity management, producing professionals for India and other countries, especially South and Southeast Asia.
Where Is the Wildlife Institute of India Located?
The Wildlife Institute of India is situated at Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The campus of the Wildlife Institute of India is located in a forested area in the foothills of the Himalayas, creating an appropriate ambience for wildlife education and research.The correct address of Wildlife Institute of India is P. O. Box #18, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001, India. The campus spans about 180 acres of land.
Mission of Wildlife Institute of India
Purpose of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII): To provide impetus to the development and practice of wildlife science in the context of conservation with due regard to the culture and socio-economic background of India. Efforts are made to develop a scientific base and professional expertise for managing wildlife and biodiversity.
Objectives of the Wildlife Institute of India
There are many objectives of the Wildlife Institute of India that pertain to wildlife conservation and scientific work. Some of its primary objectives are as follows:
- Gaining scientific understanding about wildlife resources in India.
- Training personnel in wildlife conservation and management.
- Carrying out research pertaining to wildlife management.
- Development of scientific techniques that can be used in India.
- Supplying information and technical assistance regarding wildlife management problems.
- Cooperating with national and international bodies.
- Developing skills in wildlife and natural resource conservation.
Major Functions of Wildlife Institute of India
Some of the roles played by WII include the promotion of wildlife conservation in India. One of the important roles is the conducting of research, which involves projects on wildlife research in terms of biodiversity, wildlife population, habitats, and conservation challenges across various parts of India.Professional training in wildlife and forest management is another activity undertaken by WII. The academic and training programs at WII integrate classroom learning with hands-on experience in wildlife research and conservation.
Research and Scientific Studies
Research conducted by WII is carried out regarding wildlife species, ecosystems, habitat and biodiversity related issues. The field studies help to provide scientific data that could be used in wildlife management.
Professional Training
The training offered by the institute covers several aspects of wildlife conservation for wildlife officials, forest managers, researchers, and other professionals. These aspects include wildlife monitoring and management, field operations, and conservation strategies.
Academic Education
WII offers specialized educational programs in wildlife sciences and other allied disciplines. The programs integrate theoretical knowledge with field experience and research-based learning.
Advisory and Technical Support
It is important to note that the institute provides science information as well as advice on certain wildlife management and conservation problems. It bridges the gap between science and wildlife management needs.
Academic Programmes at Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India provides specialized educational courses for wildlife sciences, conservation and natural resources management. The courses at this institute have been designed in such a way that it provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to students and professionals regarding wildlife and their conservation.
Courses Offered by Wildlife Institute of India
WII offers both academic courses as well as training programmes for professionals. Some of the courses offered are M.Sc. in Wildlife Science, M.Sc. in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation, Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management, and Certificate Course in Wildlife Management. There are also short-term courses and workshops for professionals conducted by the institute.
M.Sc. in Wildlife Science
This M.Sc. degree in Wildlife Science is a two-year residential program which aims to give knowledge about wildlife science both theoretically and practically to the students. This includes subjects like wildlife ecology, biology, habitat management, conservation, research methodology, biostatistics, and many more.In addition to that, the students get field exposure through various tours and practical work in different ecosystems. This program is currently affiliated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR).
M.Sc. in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation
WII also provides a two-year residential program in M.Sc. Freshwater Ecology and Conservation. This program concentrates on the conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems. It is being run by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.This program aims at developing trained researchers and ecologists to work on the study of freshwater ecosystems and their scientific management and conservation.
Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management
The Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management is intended primarily for working professionals in forests and wildlife management. The programme will deal with advanced topics in wildlife management, protected area management, and conservation planning.As per the WII, the course is meant for those officers of the Indian Forest Service and State Forest Service who satisfy certain eligibility criteria.
Certificate Course in Wildlife Management
The Wildlife Management Certificate Programme is meant for forest officers who are already in service, especially those at the post of Range Forest Officer. The programme gives them specific knowledge and skills in wildlife management and conservation.
Short-Term Courses and Training Programmes
Besides its core programs, WII also runs some short-term courses and workshops on various wildlife and conservation themes. The courses could be either one-week courses or some specialized training programs.The following are some of the issues addressed in the training programs of WII: wildlife handling and immobilization, visitor use management, environmental and social impact assessment, wetland and coastal habitat management, biodiversity conservation planning, wildlife law and forensics, and wildlife management planning.
M.Sc. Wildlife Science Eligibility
Eligibility criteria may differ based on the admission notice for a specific batch. As per the recent WII admission notice, those applying for the M.Sc. Wildlife Science course were eligible with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects such as Life Sciences, Medical Science, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Pharmacy, Social Sciences or Computer Science, or any other equivalent qualification.Some minimum aggregate criteria have also been mentioned in the recent admission notice; hence, candidates must refer to the latest admission notice before applying.
M.Sc. Wildlife Science Admission Process
Admission to the programme of M.Sc. Wildlife Science entails an admission test that is highly competitive in nature. In respect to the recently concluded test, it entailed the taking of a National Eligibility Test (NET), followed by the Personality and Aptitude Test (PAT)/interview.Selection into the programme entailed evaluation of scores obtained through NET and PAT. Admission criteria and examination centers may differ with time, hence there may be changes from one year to another.
Wildlife Institute of India Fees
The fee structure is based upon the particular programme and the year of admission. As per WII’s recently published information, the approximate total fee payable by Indian nationals for the M.Sc. Wildlife Science programme was around ₹6 lakh, whereas for foreign nationals it was ₹14,000. The fee payable comprised various elements including tuition fees, hostels and field trips.WII has also published information regarding scholarships and stipends that would be provided to eligible candidates, depending on certain conditions and fund availability. Hence, the aspirants should go through the official notification regarding admission for the current year.
Wildlife Institute of India Research Programmes
Research plays an integral role in the functions of WII. It is involved in research related to wildlife ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, and habitat and wildlife management. Research is conducted through fieldwork and analysis, leading to the generation of information that may be useful for wildlife conservation and management.It is also involved in research, training, and conservation activities in collaboration with government agencies and other organizations.
Field Training at Wildlife Institute of India
Field training is an essential part of the academic curriculum of WII. Students are provided with the scope for studying wildlife and ecosystem outside the classroom and also acquire research skills.Field exposure will allow students to gain knowledge about wildlife behaviour, ecosystem assessments, conservation management, biodiversity studies and ecology. In fact, the programme on M.Sc. Wildlife Science even involves field visits in various parts of India.
Wildlife Institute of India Campus
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is based at Chandrabani, Dehradun, in the state of Uttarakhand, situated in a lush campus that covers roughly 180 acres. The natural environment makes for a suitable atmosphere to conduct education, research, fieldwork and activities associated with wildlife conservation. The campus consists of academic blocks, laboratories, a library, training blocks, an auditorium and other facilities.The campus has biodiversity on its own. According to WII, there is a rich diversity of plants, birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and mammals in the campus environment, making it not only conducive for academic purposes but also for observing nature.
Facilities at Wildlife Institute of India
A number of facilities have been established by WII that are meant to facilitate the academic programme, scientific research and professional training. These facilities are meant to equip the students and researchers with all the tools necessary for both theoretical and practical studies.
They include:
- Research and teaching laboratories
- Library and Documentation Centre
- Herbarium
- National Wildlife Repository
- Auditorium
- Training halls
- Academic and administrative buildings
- Hostels and residence facilities
- Nature areas in the campus
The auditorium of the institution accommodates more than 300 people and is meant for conducting conferences, seminars, workshops and other academic events.
Wildlife Institute of India Library
The Library and Documentation Centre (L&DC) is a vital academic asset in WII. The Library and Documentation Centre has been set up as a multidisciplinary centre for the dissemination of information regarding biodiversity conservation and management.The library has more than 25,958 books, 20,600 newspaper cuttings, 7,350 maps and toposheets, and 6,225 bound volumes of old and rare documents. It also gives online access to related journals and archives.The library helps the students, research scholars, faculty members, and other eligible members of WII. It also acts as an information provider, as well as keeps connections with other information centres regarding conservation research.
Research and Laboratory Facilities
The research topics at the WII span the entire gamut of wildlife and biodiversity related issues. The research programs undertaken by the institute are interdisciplinary in nature and have been carried out in various ecological zones of India including the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Terai, Deccan Plateau, Northeast and coastal ecosystems.
Some of the current research areas are:
- Species ecology and recovery
- Landscape and habitat conservation
- Human-wildlife interface
- Ecosystem services
- Climate change
- Conservation genetics
There are specialized laboratories at the institute for educational purposes, field studies, and scientific research. These laboratories help in handling biological and ecological samples and conducting scientific research on wildlife.
National Wildlife Repository
Another significant repository which is associated with the WII is the National Wildlife Repository. The National Wildlife Database Centre of this institute is engaged in developing the National Wildlife Information System (NWIS), which would be used for information regarding the protected areas in India.These kinds of repositories and information systems help in organizing scientific information which could be useful for wildlife research.
Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Conservation
Role of WII in wildlife conservation is that of research, education, training, and technical knowledge. The projects undertaken by the organization cover various ecological zones and conservation issues within India.Scientific writings, reports, and other technical information comprise the research contributions of the organization. According to its latest website, the number of completed projects, ongoing projects, publications/research papers, and reports done by WII are 100, 111, 2,513, and 314 respectively.
Major Areas of Wildlife Research
The research carried out by WII does not focus on a particular species or ecosystem. The topics include study of wildlife populations, protection of habitats, measurement of biodiversity, ecological monitoring, and human-wildlife interaction.The research could entail survey, ecological analysis, laboratory experiments, interpretation of results, and ecological monitoring. The research would aid in developing scientific management of protected areas and wildlife species.
Wildlife Institute of India Career Opportunities
In WII, career possibilities exist in disciplines that relate to wildlife science, biodiversity studies, ecology, conservation, and wildlife management. Some of the career possibilities arising out of WII’s academic and research initiatives include employment within research organizations, universities, governmental bodies, conservation agencies, and environmental programs.Students that acquire specialized education in wildlife science can be employed in research, field conservation, biodiversity surveys, environmental assessments, protected area management, or academic institutions, among others.
How to Get Admission to Wildlife Institute of India?
Eligibility depends on the program the candidate wants to join. WII has various programs for academics and professionals, and these programs might have separate eligibility criteria, selection process, entrance test, or professional requirements.Candidates who want to join academic programs like M.Sc. in Wildlife Science should fulfill the criteria as per admission notice for that particular program. Candidates are advised to read the admission notice before applying for any program as eligibility and other requirements may vary from batch to batch.
Wildlife Institute of India Contact Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | Wildlife Institute of India |
| Address | Post Box #18, Chandrabani, Dehradun |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| PIN Code | 248001 |
| Country | India |
How to Reach Wildlife Institute of India?
The Wildlife Institute of India is situated in Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Dehradun is well-connected to the major cities of North India by road, rail, and air, which makes it easily accessible for students, researchers, and visitors.
By Road
Dehradun has excellent road transport connections with Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, and other cities of Uttarakhand and Northern India. Travelers can access Dehradun by using bus, car, or taxi, after which they need to head towards Chandrabani.The institute is situated near the Delhi–Dehradun Road, and therefore road travel becomes an easy choice for people coming from neighboring cities.
By Train
The nearest major railway station to the destination is Dehradun Railway Station. The train connects Dehradun with Delhi and other cities of India on a regular basis. Visitors coming from the railway station can reach Chandrabani through taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Air
The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun, also called Dehradun Airport. This airport offers connections by air with many cities of India. One may use a taxi or other means of transport from the airport to the Wildlife Institute of India.
Wildlife Institute of India Location & Google Maps
Wildlife Institute of India is located in Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001. Its proximity to the foot hills of the Himalayas makes it a perfect spot for conducting research in wildlife ecology and other academic pursuits.The location of the institute also enables its members to study various elements of biodiversity and learn about the interaction between forests, wildlife and human habitats.
Places to Visit Near Wildlife Institute of India
Visitors coming to WII in Dehradun may also visit some of the well-known places of interest in Dehradun.
Robber’s Cave
The Robber’s Cave is a popular natural landmark that lies close to Dehradun. This place gets its fame from the rock passage and stream running through the cave.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is a popular natural site that is famous for its waterfalls, springs, and scenery. This place is one of the most visited spots near Dehradun.
Forest Research Institute
FRI is one of the famous educational and architectural institutions in Dehradun. The institution has a big campus and a colonial architectural style, which makes it a fascinating site to visit.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous religious shrine in Dehradun which is located beside a natural cave and flowing river.
Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park, which is now associated with Dehradun Zoo, is another destination for those who enjoy wild animals and nature.
Importance of Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India makes a significant contribution in the development of scientific information regarding wildlife and biodiversity conservation in India. Through conducting research and providing training, the institution helps develop skills for wildlife management.The activities of this institution involve wildlife science, field research, conservation planning, and professional training. Scientific information developed by this organization may be helpful in learning about wildlife species and conservation issues.
Wildlife Institute of India and Biodiversity Conservation
India is home to many different ecosystems and species of wildlife from the Himalayas to the forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal zones. The research done by WII has been carried out in some of these ecosystems.Some of the areas researched include wildlife population, habitat, protected areas, biodiversity, ecology, and human-wildlife interaction. This information gained from the research can be used for conservation purposes.
Why Is the Wildlife Institute of India Important?
WII is significant in that it brings together the aspects of research, education, and wildlife management all into one specialized institution. This is essential for developing skilled professionals and researchers working in various fields of wildlife conservation.The institute also acts as an avenue through which research can be integrated with the practical needs of conservation thus enhancing expertise required for wildlife management in India.
Wildlife Institute of India – Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wildlife Institute of India |
| Short Name | WII |
| Established | 1982 |
| Location | Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Main Focus | Wildlife research, education, training and conservation |
| Campus | Approximately 180 acres |
| Major Academic Programme | M.Sc. Wildlife Science |
| Important Research Areas | Wildlife ecology, biodiversity, conservation and habitat management |
| Nearest Railway Station | Dehradun Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
Conclusion
Wildlife Institute of India is an important institute for wildlife studies, research, and education in India. The institute, based in Dehradun, brings together theoretical studies with practical research and professional training. The activities of the institute focus on wildlife ecology, biodiversity, conservation of habitats, and many other fields related to conservation of natural wealth of India.
Faqs
What is the Wildlife Institute of India?
The Wildlife Institute of India is a national-level institution in Dehradun that works in wildlife research, education, training and biodiversity conservation.
Where is the Wildlife Institute of India located?
The institute is located at Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
When was the Wildlife Institute of India established?
The Wildlife Institute of India was established in 1982.
Which ministry controls the Wildlife Institute of India?
WII functions as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Which major course is offered by WII?
One of its major academic programmes is the M.Sc. in Wildlife Science, along with other specialised academic and professional programmes.
Can students study wildlife science at WII?
Yes. WII provides specialised academic education in wildlife science and related fields, subject to the eligibility and admission requirements of the respective programme.
Where is WII situated in Dehradun?
WII is situated in Chandrabani, in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
How can I reach Wildlife Institute of India?
The institute can be reached by road, train and air. Dehradun Railway Station and Jolly Grant Airport are the main nearby transport points.
What does WII do?
WII conducts wildlife research, provides professional training, offers academic programmes and contributes scientific knowledge for biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Why is Wildlife Institute of India important?
WII is important for developing scientific expertise and professional capacity in wildlife conservation, ecological research and wildlife management in India.
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