The thrust areas of research of the Division are ecosystem and landscape analysis, rehabilitation and restoration, population ecology and dynamics, biodiversity evaluation and conservation of fragile ecosystems, man-wildlife interaction, traditional knowledge system analysis, biodiversity-informatics and environmental awareness. Inventorisation of biodiversity of different forest types and protected areas of the State, biodiversity evaluation of Myristica swamps and mangroves, conservation and sustainable management of below-ground biodiversity in the Nilagiri Biosphere Reserve, taxonomic studies on various plant and animal groups of forestry importance and conservation of RET species of flora are some of the current activities of the Division. Besides, the Wildlife Biology Discipline deals with inventorisation of fauna, endangered animals, man-wildlife interaction and wildlife census. A forensic laboratory is being developed to identify animals based on remains such as flesh, hair and skin. Assessment of regeneration status in logged areas is being studied in the Forest Ecology Discipline. Nursery and plantation technology of selected indigenous timber species and rattans and ethno-biological studies are other activities of the Division. A Herbarium representing the forest flora of the State, an Arboretum of rare and characteristic species of moist deciduous forests of Kerala, Wildlife Museum depicting indigeneous/endemic fauna, a Palmetum containing about 80 species of palms, a Canetum of about 30 species of rattans, a Bio-resource nature trail, etc. are the major facilities of the Division.