DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY ORGANIZED

Study tour to GKVK, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Bannerghatta Zoological Park Held from 19.02.2025 to 20.02.2025

1. Introduction

The Department of Zoology and Department of Botany organized a two-day educational field visit to Bangalore from 19th to 20th February 2025. The objective of the visit was to provide students with hands-on exposure to entomology, wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and biodiversity management.

The study tour covered three major locations:

Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK) – To explore agricultural entomology, forestry and environmental sciences, and plant biotechnology.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden – To study plant diversity and its ecological significance for fauna.
Bannerghatta National Park – To understand wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and habitat preservation through the Zoo, Safari, and Butterfly Park.

A total of 11 students participated, accompanied by faculty members Mary Sofia (Department of Zoology) and Jeevitha Saldanha (Department of Botany). A visit fee of ₹2800 was paid for access to the departments at GKVK. The group stayed overnight at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore.

2. Objectives of the Study Tour

To understand the role of insects in agriculture and ecosystems through the Department of Entomology at GKVK.
To gain insights into wildlife conservation, animal rehabilitation, and breeding programs at Bannerghatta National Park.
To observe behavioral adaptations, predator-prey dynamics, and species diversity during the Safari and Zoo visit.
To study pollination ecology and butterfly conservation efforts at the Butterfly Park.
To explore the ecological importance of plant species that support biodiversity.

3. Itinerary & Activities

Day 1: Started off from St.Philomenas’s College at 6 am on 19th February 2025 reaching GKVK at 9.30am

Visit to GKVK (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore)

Department of Entomology
- Students explored insect taxonomy, pest management, and the economic importance of insects in agriculture.
- Discussions on honeybees, silk moths, and pollinators, emphasizing their role in biodiversity and food security.
- Observation of insect specimens, including butterflies, beetles, and parasitic insects used in biological pest control.
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
- Topics covered forest conservation, habitat restoration, and climate change impacts on wildlife.
- Insights into wildlife corridors, afforestation, and sustainable forest management to support biodiversity.
Department of Plant Biotechnology
- Focus on genetic modification and plant tissue culture for enhancing crop resistance to insect pests.
- Understanding how biotechnology contributes to food chains and animal nutrition.

Afternoon Visit to Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The visit highlighted the importance of flora in supporting diverse fauna, especially birds, butterflies, and insects.
Observations of pollinator-dependent plants, including nectar-rich species that attract bees and butterflies.
Students examined a 200-year-old Silk Cotton Tree and a 20-million-year-old tree fossil, understanding their significance in ecological history.

Accommodation at Don Bosco Provincial House

The group checked in at 6 pm for an overnight stay.
An interactive discussion session was conducted, where students shared their insights on entomology, conservation, and biodiversity.