The board of management (BoM) of the varsity has approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the institute to be set up at a cost of Rs 500 crore. The DPR for the institute prepared by George Chandy, head of the Centre for Wildlife Studies of KVASU, was cleared by the BoM and will be submitted to the state governmentfor approval.

Under the institute, the varsity also propose to set up a Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Regional Field Research Station at Idukki for treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild animals. The rehabilitation centre is to be based at Idukki considering the proximity to Periyar Tiger Reserve and Eravikulam National Park.

In addition, the institute propose to have a wildlife forensic unit with cutting-edge wildlife DNA forensic tools for analysis and interpretation of biological samples and facilities for postmortem examination of carcass of wildlife, a dedicated hospital for wildlife, Wayanad natural history and tribal museum, among others.

As per the project report, the institute aims to further higher education and multi- disciplinary research into human-wildlife interactions in the biodiversity-rich region which has of late emerged as a climate change hotspot as well. It will also endeavour to create sustainable solutions for human-wildlife coexistence and would try to come up with technical solutions for sustainable methods of agriculture for tribal and other communities which are facing difficulties in their livelihoods due to conflicts with wildlife.

Chandy said that tribal welfare has also been included as a focus area of the proposed institute as they have played a key role in conservation of the forests and biodiversity of the Western Ghats and they should be recognized as an important stakeholder in wildlife management.

The report says that the institute can be based either at Pookode, where the varsity is located, or at Sugandhagiri, where government land of around 40 acres is available. Also, the report has proposed to shift the existing Centre for Wildlife Studies to the 100-acre forested site at varsity campus at Thiruvizhamkunnu in Palakkad.

Chandy said that Edinburgh University, which already has a tie-up with the varsity, has offered to provide technical assistance for setting up of the new institute.

The report says that if the state government accords sanction this year, the institute can start functioning within the next two years.

The institute proposes to offer PG and research programmes in wildlife studies and certificate courses for veterinary doctors and those employed in forest department.