About

Established in 2002 as a self-financing programme, the department offers postgraduate education in Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation, catering to students with undergraduate backgrounds in Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Forestry. The department holds a distinctive position as the only one within the cluster of state government universities offering this specialized programme. Its strategic proximity to the Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR)—the sole biosphere reserve in Odisha—provides exceptional opportunities for field-based learning, research, and hands-on exposure to wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

35+

Total Students

4

Faculty Members

3+

Research Projects

Mission

This programme aims to

  • Provide interdisciplinary high quality education to students to enrich their knowledge and understanding of contemporary wildlife issues and conservation science.
  • Build scientific knowledge on wildlife resources and their importance to the human world at large.
  • Produce trained biologists and conservation practitioners.
  • Build scientific knowledge and advise on specific wildlife management problems.
  • Identify key areas of threats to biodiversity and build a holistic approach to address conservation measures for the sustainable use of natural resources.
Vision

The department aims at

  • Recognition as a center of excellence for wildlife and biodiversity conservation.
  • Collaboration with international organizations on wildlife research, management, and training.
  • Develop as a regional center of international importance for wildlife and natural resource conservation.
  • Preparing policies related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources.
  • Develop high-quality human resources in wildlife and seek scientific solutions to conservation problems.

Dr. Subhani Rath

Assistant Professor (Stage-I)

Coordinator's Message

Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation
Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University

The Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation was established in 2002 as a self-financing postgraduate programme which was eventually regularized in 2022, with the objective of imparting higher education and specialized training in the emerging field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation. The department holds a distinctive position as the only department among the cluster of State Public Universities in Odisha offering a dedicated postgraduate programme in Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation. Its geographical proximity to the world-renowned Similipal Biosphere Reserve provides students with exceptional opportunities for field-based learning, ecological research, biodiversity assessment, wildlife monitoring, and conservation-oriented studies. The postgraduate programme is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in nature, integrating concepts from Zoology, Botany, Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Geography, and other allied life science disciplines. The curriculum has been designed to address contemporary environmental and ecological challenges while maintaining a strong balance between theoretical understanding and practical application.
The department offers a comprehensive learning environment through classroom teaching, laboratory-based practicals, field excursions, wilderness studies, and research-oriented training. Students are encouraged to develop scientific temper, analytical abilities, and conservation ethics necessary for addressing present-day biodiversity and environmental concerns. Exposure to practical conservation issues around Similipal National Park further enriches their academic and field experiences. The syllabus is developed in accordance with national academic standards and prepares students for prestigious examinations such as GATE and NET, enabling them to pursue higher studies and research in institutions of national importance. In addition, certificate programmes and industry-oriented courses help students enhance their employability in consultancy services, environmental industries, NGOs, and conservation organizations. The department also emphasizes skill development in areas such as wildlife photography, eco-tourism, biodiversity documentation, conservation outreach, and environmental awareness programmes and frequent field visit to National Parks and sanctuaries. Through academic excellence, research, and social engagement, the department seeks to nurture environmentally conscious citizens and dedicated conservation professionals.
Our vision is to develop the department as a centre of excellence in wildlife and biodiversity conservation through quality education, scientific research, policy support, and collaborations with national and international organizations. We remain committed to building highly skilled human resources capable of addressing global conservation challenges and promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
We warmly welcome aspiring students and researchers to join us in our collective mission of conserving biodiversity and safeguarding nature for future generations.

Profile

Programme

  • PG

Faculties

Mapping of phylogenetic diversity, endemism and conservation prioritization of reptilian fauna in Similipal Biosphere Reserve and other sections of Eastern Ghats

Completed
Funding Agency: OURIIP
Amount
₹ 6.82 Lakhs
Duration
2023-25

Prioritising Conservation of Sacred Groves in Odisha

Completed
Funding Agency: OURIIP
Amount
₹ 6.92 Lakhs
Duration
2023-25

Assessment of nutritional and microbial quality of traditional rice beverage “handia” from Mayurbhanj district of Odisha

Completed
Funding Agency: OURIIP
Amount
₹ 4.9 Lakhs
Duration
2021-23

No seminars found.

Alumni

Event