In Tamil Nadu, an extent of 9184.924 sq.km. is under Protected Area management to strengthen wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation which is 39.61% of forest area. Under the network of Protected Areas, there are 5 National Parks, 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 18 Bird Sanctuaries and 3 Conservation Reserves besides 5 Tiger Reserves. A gene pool garden has also been established in the state. The Western Ghats is one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots and one of the 3 mega centers of endemism in India. Five Elephant Reserves are located at present within the landscape of Tamil Nadu. The state is also endowed with a long coastline with rich mangroves and associated forest types. The state has the largest combination of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats which too contributes to the richness of the biodiversity of the state. Protection and conservation of rare and endangered species, restoration and improvement in the quality of the forests are aimed to enrich biodiversity of the state forests as envisaged in the National Wildlife Action Plan.

Keeping in mind ecological requirements and landscape specific intervention measures, a special focus on Biodiversity Conservation at landscape level is being provided. Special efforts are being taken to remove alien (exotic) species to encourage regeneration of native species preferred by wildlife. The removal of invasive species has a great impact on restoration of ecosystem such as, increasing the area with native floral vegetation, regeneration and growth of indigenous plants, increase in fodder area availability for wildlife, rich biodiversity of both protected (wildlife) and other forest areas, improvement in wildlife habitat by restoring original vegetation and reduction in human wildlife conflict due to higher availability of fodder species.

Recognizing the seriousness of human-wildlife conflicts on the forest fringe areas, multi-pronged strategies have been devised to manage the problem of human-wildlife conflicts. Both traditional methods like foot patrolling and modern tools like Geographical Information System (GIS), Geographical Positioning System (GPS), Drones, etc., are used for tackling this problem. The Forest Department has taken several measures that benefit both the wildlife and local human communities, enabling mutually beneficial co-existence. Nonetheless, there have been some instances of conflicts which are being attended to by the forest department through its frontline staff on day-to-day basis. Following major initiatives are being taken to address human-wildlife conflicts.

• Monitoring of wildlife habitats for availability of water and fodder resources.
• Continuous monitoring of movement of wildlife in conflict zones.
• Early warning system for alerting the people in conflict zones.
• Sensitizing the local inhabitants.
• Instant payments of compensation amount to victims for the damage by wildlife.
• Standardized protocols for the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife straying out of forest areas.
• Strengthening veterinary services for wildlife through Rapid Response Team and Mobile Veterinary Units.

Wildlife health is the ability of species to cope with biological, social and environmental changes. Infectious diseases are a concern for the conservation of wildlife species. Veterinarians being an integral part of the team attending to wildlife emergencies, have key responsibilities in alleviating stress and improving welfare aspects of the displaced wildlife.