Mangaluru: The department of Zoology, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized a day-long national symposium on ‘Current Trends in Ornithology and Conservation of Birds in India’ which was organized under the Star College Scheme of department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, government of India. Dr Suhel Quader, senior scientist, Nature Conservation Foundation, was the chief guest. Dr Asad Rahmani, former director, BNHS scientific adviser, Corbett Foundation and Hem Chand Mahindra Foundation, was the guest of honour. Fr Dionysius Vas, rector of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) presided over the programme.

Dr Suhel Quader, in his speech, shared his experiences as a nature lover and explained how he developed his passion into profession. Environment is a place of different species and it is necessary to presume these species. He encouraged all the participants to join nature groups or join hands with the organizers to preserve the species. He emphasized on e-bird website which is a part of citizen science initiative, in which thousands of people around the world contribute their observations on bird.

Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Dionysius Vas appreciated the efforts taken by the department of Zoology in organizing such a meaningful symposium. He stressed on the need on conservation of birds. He also applauded the efforts taken by the students in preparing the handmade portraits of birds as tokens to the guests.

Principal Fr Dr Praveen Martis in his address, mentioned that the birds are free moving beings of the world. We all must be aware of all living beings. He urged the students to preserve nature as well as the species. This symposium will provide the participants a bundle of knowledge about the species and the students can make the best use of it, he added.

Dr Ronald Nazareth, co-ordinator, Star College Scheme of the College briefed about the STAR College Scheme of the Department of Biotechnology, government of India.

During this symposium, a book on ‘Birds and Butterflies of the Campus’ was released.

Shashank Dalvi, director of Eco Connect Ventures, Shivashankar, director of Costal Karnataka Bird Wathers’ Network were the resource persons for the sessions.

Dr Leo D’Souza, director, Applied Botany Lab, Dr A M Narahari, the registrar, Fr Pradeep Sequeira, finance officer and Dr Richard Gonsalves, director, LCRI block were present.

Precilla D’Silva, head, department of Zoology, welcomed the gathering and Dr Hemachandara rendered the vote of thanks.

The objective of this symposium was to promote conservation of birds in the young minds and to the general public. The college also intends to share its knowledge with other colleges especially of rural areas. As many as 80 students of 12 different colleges, 209 UG students, 32 PG students of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) and 20 bird enthusiasts participated in the symposium.

The main highlights of this event were the exhibition of bird photographs by professional and wild life photographers. Bird Photography competition for the students was held as well.