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Mosquito faunistic studies of recent times in India have been sporadic and done in isolation, confined to particular region/localities. The need to revive interest in mosquito systematics, faunistic studies, correct determinations, revision and updating of species occurring and their Distribution in the country has been felt for a long time. Extensive work on biodiversity of mosquitoes in India could be best done through networking of taxonomists in different institutions. Research organizations, educational institutions and public health departments were identified as major links in such a network. To promote this network and coordinate its activities a Culicid Biodiversity Cell was formed at the VCRC.
Objectives of the Cell
- To initiate studies of taxonomy on Indian mosquito species of vector, nuisance and biodiversity importance.
- To strengthen scientific capabilities of identifying through training programmes, and workshop.
- To develop reference collection and catalogue them for ready reference of scientist, programme personnel and students
- To extend taxonomic service to entomologists dealing with vector biology and vector borne disease control on their request for assistance in taxonomic work
- To support dissemination of information of information of vector taxonomy and biology to field personnel, government and health authorities.
The present core members of the network are:
Dr. A.R.Rajavel (Co-ordinator), Research Officer, Vector Control Research Centre, (ICMR), Indira Nagar, Pondicherry 605006, India. Tel:0413-372396,, 372397;fax: 0413-372041; E-mail: mosquito@sancharnet.in & arrvel@yahoo.com
Mr. S.C. Tewari, Research Officer, Centre of Research IN Medical Entomology (ICMR), No. 4, Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam,Madurai 625 002, Tamil Nadu,India. Tel: 0452-5307777746, 5314332; fax: 04552-530660; E-mail: icmrcrme@ren.nic.in
Dr. P.Dutta, sr. Research Officer, Regional Medical Research Centre, N.E. Region (ICMR) Post Box No. 1055 Dibrugarh 786 001, Assam, India. Tel: 0373-81494, 81548; Fax: 0373-301512; E-mail: icmrcdi@ren.nic.in
Mr. A.N. Shriram, Reaserch Assistant, Regional Medical Research Centre, (ICMR) Post Bag No.13, Port Blair 744 101, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. Tel: 03192-33156, 51043; Fax:03192-3192-31675; E-mail: icmrrcpb@ren.nic.in
Dr. r. Selvaraj Pandian, Reader & Head, P.G. & reaserch Dept of Zoology, The American College, Madurai 625 002, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: 0452-530070; Fax:0452-531056; E-mail: american@md2.vsnl.net.in
Dr. Jagbir Singh Kirti, Reader, Dept of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala 147 002, Punjab, India, Tel: 0175-282462-65; Fax: 0175-28073; E-mail: jskirti@pbi.ernet.in
Meeting
The first inter-active meeting of the Culicid Biodiversity Cell was held on 21 and 22 March 2001 at the Vector Control Research Centre, Pondicherry, wherein the following aspects were identified for implementation:
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Documentation of species, preparation of keys for identification and publication of monographs.
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The mosquito museum at the vcrc to be centralized for taxonomic reference work.
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Training programmes in the form of workshops to be conducted for capacity building in mosquito taxonomy
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Popular articles to be written on taxonomy of mosquitoes for the interest of larger group of field personnel in research and public health.
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Network to be expanded in due course with the present six participants being the core group and VCRC as nodal agency to coordinate the activities.
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An All India Coordinated Project on Mosquito diversity to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forest for funding and for which a common protocol, including objectives, methodology, manpower required, and approximate budget was developed.
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The acronym CUBIC to be used for Culicid Biodivercity cell.
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