Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering
IL-24: Biodiversity Assessment

The Great Campus Bird Count 2022 at SSN College of Engineering, Chennai, was organized by the Young Naturalists' Network Chennai on February 18, 2022. The event took place over 4+ hours, with participants observing the diverse birdlife on the campus, which is known to host over 180 species of birds, making it an important hotspot for biodiversity. The participants, ranging from amateur to experienced birders, started their observation at a large lake near the campus, home to a variety of waterfowl and small birds. Some highlights included sightings of Little Grebes and Indian Peafowls, along with a variety of species among the campus’s green cover and tree clusters. The bird count fostered a sense of community and sparked interest in local biodiversity, with participants even sharing their findings with others who were eager to join future events. The overall experience not only contributed valuable data to the bird count but also encouraged the campus community to appreciate the natural world around them.

This event showcases the campus's commitment to biodiversity conservation and provides a platform for students and nature enthusiasts to connect with the local ecosystem.

ink for the assessment bird count:

eBird Checklist - 18 Feb 2022 - SSN Institution - 48 species

eBird Checklist - 18 Feb 2022 - SSN Institution - 46 species

NARRATIVE :

The baseline biodiversity assessment at **SSN College of Engineering** has been pivotal in ensuring the protection and enhancement of the campus’s rich ecological diversity. The campus hosts an impressive variety of species, including **72 species of butterflies**, **45 species of moths**, and **179 species of birds**, with many species listed under Schedule I-IV of the **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**. This assessment provides critical insights into the ecological health of the campus, enabling targeted conservation efforts to preserve both the habitats and the species identified.

The findings from the baseline assessment have led to the creation of **butterfly gardens** and the careful planting of **flowering plants** across the campus to attract and support a variety of insect and bird species. These actions ensure that the habitats for these species are maintained, promoting biodiversity while also enhancing the beauty of the campus. The management's commitment to planting native and flowering plants contributes directly to sustaining populations of local species, further enriching the campus ecosystem.

Moreover, the campus’s biodiversity data is shared with various national and international platforms, such as the **National Butterfly Database** maintained by **NCBS** and **eBird India**. As a reviewer for these databases, I actively contribute to the monitoring and protection of these species by analyzing and verifying data uploaded by users, ensuring that the integrity of biodiversity records is maintained. Through this ongoing effort, the SSN campus is not only protecting its own biodiversity but also contributing to national conservation goals.

In addition, the **SSN campus** actively uses its biodiversity data to engage the campus community through educational programs and events. By organizing bird watching and butterfly counting events, the campus fosters a culture of awareness and involvement in conservation efforts, empowering students and staff to appreciate and protect the local environment. The presence of rare and protected species on the campus serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible land management and conservation practices, ensuring that the ecological integrity of the region is upheld for years to come.

Reference Link :

https://www.ssn.edu.in/bio-conservationist-vikas-madhav/

The campus has retained more than 59% of the landscape area (Maintained landscape + Natural topography – greenery area). This retained landscape area will help achieve a green and promote carbon sequestration in campus. The trees will improve the air quality of the campus and of the surrounding buildings.

The tree and shrub count on the SSN College of Engineering campus was conducted as part of an extensive biodiversity assessment to evaluate and monitor the campus’s ecological diversity. This assessment identified a rich array of native and ornamental trees, contributing to the overall ecological health of the campus. The count revealed a variety of tree species such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), and Gulmohar (Delonix regia), which provide crucial habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including the campus’s rich diversity of bird species and butterflies. Shrub species, including Bougainvillea and Hibiscus, were also cataloged, enhancing the campus’s aesthetic appeal while supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

These findings play a vital role in the campus's sustainable landscaping and biodiversity conservation efforts. The data collected is used to maintain a balance between built-up areas and green spaces, ensuring that the habitats for these species are preserved and enhanced. The campus is continuously working to expand its green cover through careful selection and planting of trees and shrubs that contribute to the local ecosystem, support biodiversity, and promote environmental sustainability. This data is also used to guide future landscaping decisions and ecological conservation practices, ensuring that the campus remains a thriving natural habitat for years to come.

List of Species in the campus with count has been attached for additional reference