TCN Trust : The Prof. T.C. Narendran Trust for Animal Taxonomy, known as TCN Trust, is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 in Calicut, Kerala. It was established in memory of Prof. T.C. Narendran, a renowned taxonomist who made significant contributions to the study of parasitic wasps. The trust aims to revitalize the field of classical taxonomy, which is essential for identifying and documenting Earth’s biodiversity. With many species disappearing even before being discovered, the need for taxonomic research has never been greater.
TCN Trust focuses on developing taxonomic expertise, promoting research, and conserving India’s faunal diversity through various initiatives. This article explores the objectives, key members, strategies, and challenges faced by TCN Trust in its mission to advance animal taxonomy in India.
Overview Table – TCN Trust
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Prof. T.C. Narendran Trust for Animal Taxonomy (TCN Trust) |
| Founded | 2006, Calicut, Kerala |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Focus | Classical taxonomy, faunal conservation |
| Mission | Promote taxonomy, build expertise, conserve biodiversity |
| Key Activities | Research, training, workshops, publications, consultancy |
TCN Trust – Prof TC Narendran Trust for Animal Taxonomy
TCN Trust was established to address the growing shortage of taxonomists in India and to ensure that biodiversity is accurately documented and conserved. Taxonomy, the science of naming and classifying organisms, is fundamental to understanding and managing ecosystems. The trust works towards building a strong base of taxonomic knowledge by providing training, organizing workshops, and publishing research. By doing so, it aims to make taxonomy a research priority in India, ensuring that lesser-known species are identified and conserved before they are lost forever.
Founders and Key Members
Prof. Dr. T.C. Narendran – President
Prof. Dr. T.C. Narendran was a distinguished taxonomist known for his expertise in parasitic wasps. As the founder and president of TCN Trust, he envisioned creating a strong taxonomic knowledge base in India. His contributions to entomology and his passion for taxonomy continue to inspire the trust’s mission.
Dr. P.T. Cherian – Former Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India
Dr. P.T. Cherian has been instrumental in supporting TCN Trust’s research initiatives. With his extensive experience at the Zoological Survey of India, he has helped guide research projects focusing on India’s rich and diverse fauna.
C. Radhakrishnan – Joint Director, Zoological Survey of India, Calicut
As a joint director, C. Radhakrishnan has played a crucial role in coordinating research activities and expanding TCN Trust’s reach. His expertise in zoology has been vital in developing strategies for documentation and conservation of biodiversity.
Other Key Members and Their Contributions
The trust’s advisory panel includes scientists like Dr. M. Nasser, Dr. K. Rajmohana, and Dr. Sudheer K., who contribute to research, training, and publications. Their collective expertise strengthens the trust’s efforts to advance taxonomy and conservation in India.
Mission Statement of the Trust
The mission of TCN Trust is to promote animal taxonomy, build a strong base of taxonomic expertise, and contribute to the conservation of India’s faunal diversity. The trust aims to achieve this by training taxonomists, publishing research, and offering taxonomic consultancy services.
Popularizing Animal Taxonomy
To make taxonomy more accessible, TCN Trust organizes workshops, lectures, and outreach programs for students and researchers. These initiatives aim to spark interest in taxonomy and build a new generation of taxonomists.
Building a Knowledge Base and Training Taxonomists
The trust focuses on training students, researchers, and professionals in taxonomic methods, enabling them to accurately identify and classify species. This helps in addressing the shortage of taxonomic expertise in India.
Conservation of Faunal Diversity in India
Through its research projects, TCN Trust works on documenting lesser-known species and understanding their roles in ecosystems. This information is essential for effective conservation planning and management.
Key Objectives of the Trust
Documentation and Conservation of Faunal Diversity
TCN Trust conducts research projects aimed at documenting India’s faunal diversity, focusing on under-studied regions and species. Accurate documentation helps in assessing the conservation status of species and formulating management strategies.
Reviving Classical Taxonomy
With modern biology leaning towards molecular methods, classical taxonomy has been somewhat neglected. TCN Trust aims to revive this field by highlighting its importance in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
Addressing the Shortage of Taxonomic Expertise
The trust’s training programs are designed to develop taxonomic skills in young researchers and students, thereby filling the gap in taxonomic expertise in India.
Strategies to Achieve the Mission
Faunal Identification Services
TCN Trust offers identification services for a wide range of species, assisting researchers and institutions in accurate classification. This service supports biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
Training and Workshops
The trust organizes workshops and training programs at schools, colleges, and universities to introduce students to taxonomy. These programs include field techniques, specimen collection, and identification skills.
Research and Publications
Publishing taxonomic guides, monographs, and research papers is a key part of TCN Trust’s strategy to disseminate knowledge and build a strong foundation for animal taxonomy in India.
Information and Support Services
The trust has established a reprint library to provide access to taxonomic literature. It also offers information services through online platforms, making taxonomic data accessible to a wider audience.
Linking Active Taxonomists Across India
By maintaining a database of active taxonomists, TCN Trust facilitates collaborations and information exchange among experts across India.
Awards and Recognitions
National-Level Award for Best Taxonomic Research Contribution
To encourage high-quality research in taxonomy, TCN Trust has instituted a national-level award. This award is given every three years to researchers who make significant contributions to the field of taxonomy.
Criteria and Frequency of the Award
The award is based on originality, impact, and the practical application of the research. A panel of experts reviews nominations and selects the recipient.
Challenges in Revitalizing Classical Taxonomy
Lack of Expertise and Resources
The shortage of trained taxonomists and limited funding for research are significant challenges. Increasing investment in taxonomic training and infrastructure is essential to overcome these challenges.
Funding and Awareness Challenges
Raising funds for taxonomic research is challenging due to limited awareness about its importance. Greater outreach and partnerships with government bodies can help address this issue.
Conclusion
The efforts of TCN Trust to revive and promote animal taxonomy are vital for conserving India’s rich faunal diversity. By focusing on training, research, and documentation, the trust is building a solid foundation for future taxonomic studies. Addressing challenges like funding and limited expertise will further strengthen these efforts and ensure the sustainability of India’s biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of TCN Trust?
The main goal is to promote animal taxonomy and conserve faunal diversity in India through research, training, and documentation.
How does TCN Trust support taxonomists?
The trust provides training, publishes taxonomic guides, and offers consultancy services to support taxonomists in their work.
What kind of awards does TCN Trust offer?
TCN Trust offers a national-level award every three years for the best taxonomic research contribution.
How does TCN Trust contribute to conservation?
By documenting species and providing taxonomic expertise, the trust supports conservation planning and management.
How can one access TCN Trust’s publications?
Publications are available through the reprint library established by TCN Trust and via their online information services.
