Tamil Nadu is the 6th largest state in India. Ancient literaturesuggests that the state can be classified into 5 different bio-geographic regions, viz.
- Kurinji - Mountainous region
- Mullai – Forests
- Marutham – Cropland
- Neithal – Seashore
- Palai – Desert
The state is home to several unique flora and fauna (wild as well as domesticated) and agricultural crops. Tamil Nadu is well-known for myriad of ethnographical records concerning plants, animals, and cultural practices associated with bio-resources.
Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board
The Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board was constituted under Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 22 (Central Act 18 of 2003) in Government Order. Ms. No. 438, Environment and Forests, dated 29-04-2008. The present Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board was constituted by Government Order (Ms) No. 14 Environment and Forests (FR.5) department dated 31.01.2017
Tamil Nadu is currently in the process of notifying the State rules for implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004.