What is the Wildlife Institute of India (WII)?

About Wildlife Institute of India (WII):

• It is an autonomous institution established in 1982 under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, for nurturing the growth of wildlife science in the country.
• Location:
  • It is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
  • It shares the boundaries with the famous Rajaji National Park.
  • It is an internationally acclaimed institution, which offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.
  • It is actively engaged in research across the breadth of the country on biodiversity related issues.
• Objectives:
  • Build up scientific knowledge on wildlife resources.
  • Train personnel at various levels for conservation and management of wildlife.
  • Carry out research relevant to management including the development of techniques appropriate to Indian conditions.
  • Provide information and advice on specific wildlife management problems.
  • Collaborate with international organizations on wildlife research, management, and training.
  • Develop as a regional centre of international importance on wildlife and natural resource conservation.
• The institute carries out research work in the fields of study, which include Biodiversity, policy related to wildlife, Endangered Species, Wildlife management, forensic Wildlife research work, Eco-development, Spatial Modelling, and studies related to changing climatic conditions. 
• The board is chaired by the Union Minister and has representatives from the centre and state governments as well as institutions and academia. 

Q1: What is the Project Cheetah?

Project Cheetah, overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), was officially launched in India following Supreme Court directives in 2020. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) provides technical assistance, coordinating the reintroduction project. By revisiting India’s conservation ethos, Project Cheetah aims to revive the lost splendor of the cheetah, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological balance.

News: WII experts hail success of ‘Project Cheetah’, Centre plans expansion to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary