Biodiversity Unveiled: A Study of Faunal Diversity and Student Conservation Mindset at V.H.N.S.N. College

A research project titled "Biodiversity Unveiled: A Study of Faunal Diversity and Student Conservation Mindset at V.H.N.S.N. College" was conducted at V.H.N.S.N. College in Virudhunagar from December 18, 2022, to December 18, 2023. The college campus, spanning 145.3 acres, boasts a verdant environment. However, a comprehensive and up-to-date report on the campus's faunal diversity was previously unavailable. The investigation covered various areas of the campus, revealing 285 faunal species. These included invertebrates (219 Arthropoda and 6 Mollusca) and vertebrates (7 Amphibia, 7 Reptiles, 42 Aves, and 4 Mammalia). Seasonal temperature fluctuations were also noted. The study employed a carefully crafted questionnaire to gather information from 114 zoology department students. The primary objective was to assess students' perceptions and approaches towards species and their conservation at V.H.N.S.N. College. Findings indicated that while students possessed basic taxonomic knowledge, they lacked in-depth understanding at the taxonomic level. Nevertheless, students expressed interest in learning about species identification and conservation. Based on these results, the researchers recommend incorporating field trips into the curriculum. Such experiences would broaden students' perspectives on environmental and wildlife conservation, potentially inspiring them to pursue research in faunal diversity.