Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology Natural History

About Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology Natural History

SACON or the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History was formally inaugurated on 5th June 1990 and registered as a society under the Society Registration Act 1860. SACON, an autonomous organization is a national centre for studies in Ornithology and Natural History. The centre was named befittingly after Dr. Sálim Ali in appreciation of his life long services to India's bird life and conservation of natural resources. SACON is located at Anaikatty 24 kms northwest of Coimbatore on the way to Silent Valley. In its 55 acres of land with rolling hills, narrow streams and degraded and scrub forests, it has built up around 37,000 sq. ft of buildings for housing the office, laboratory, library, common facilities and hostel for a few students.
The thoughtful designs of the renowned architect Mr. Laurie Baker and the environment friendly construction have added the beauty of the place. The workspace is so designed that it has got natural light and breeze in abundance. SACON's location with the backdrop of Western Ghats, one of the 'hot spots' of biodiversity in the world, offers envious opportunities to undertake long?term studies on various aspects of its varied avifauna, and on the biological principles and phenomena involved in the maintenance of the fragile systems.SACON sets up field stations in various parts of the country according to the requirements of the research projects.SACON was dedicated to the nation on February 11, 2000 by the Honourable Minister for Environment and Forests, Government of India, Mr. T.R. Baalu. Under its project "Salim Ali Natural Club Network", nature clubs have been set u in schools of Coimbatore. During the year, a worksho on conservation education was organised for the teachersin-charge of these nature clubs. In collaboration with Birdlife International and Birdlife International Asia Council, SACON organised a workshop to finalise the strategies for collection of required information and preparation of a Red Data Book of the Birds of Asia.
research and other extension activities relating to all aspects of ornithology and natural history of other forms of life.

Mission
SACON came into being at a time when the twin issues, namely the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources figured in the global agenda. Realizing the indispensability of holistic approach in avian studies and conservation, the major objectives of SACON have been envisaged encompassing the entire natural history with ornithology at the centre stage.