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 nservation 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 indigenous/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.
Evaluation of plant diversity and restocking in selection felled gaps in wet evergreen forests.
Conservation and sustainable management of below-ground biodiversity in Kerala part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Establishment of bioresources nature trail in the Kerala part of Western Ghats and establishment of ex situ gardens of Dalbergia and monocots.
Ecological studies to conserve and rehabilitate mangrove vegetation in the coastal landscapes of Kerala.
Analysis of forest and agroecosystems to identify rehabilitation strategies.
Taxonomy of bamboos and rattans.
Growth and performance of selected rattan species under plantations.
Ecology and economics of riverine ecosystems and possibilities of their improvement and management.
Conservation strategies for selected endangered rattans.
Status, distribution and feeding habits of Malabar Spiny Dormouse.
Ecology and behaviour of arboreal mammals.
Developing habitat model for owls in the Western Ghats.
Ethno-biological studies of the trials of northern Kerala.
Identification of mammals based on hair structure, flesh, tissue, etc.
Status of critically endangered species, Malabar civet (Viverra megaspila civettina), in southern Western Ghats.
Dr. K Swarupanandan
Dr. UM Chandrashekara
Shri. KK Unni
Dr. KV Mohammed Kunhi
Dr. C Renuka
Dr. MS Mukteshkumar
Dr. K Yesodharan
Dr. KK Ramachandran
Dr. EA Jayson
Dr. Padmanabhan