"Science to people programme (STOPP)"
Genesis of CATE was in 2010 with the blessing of Rev. Dr. Jose Thekkan CMI, former Principal, to explore taxonomy and ecology. The study area comprises of Western Ghats and associated localities. Arachnology and Myriapodology are the thrust areas. Seven faculty researchers and 27 doctoral students are currently associated with CATE. About 20 new species of spiders were discovered by the group and more than 100 research papers were published, nationally and internationally. This group is supported by international and national funding agencies like Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) Programme, Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) Programme, Idea Wild, DST-SERB, UGC and KSCSTE.
Focal Areas
Arachnology
Classification and description of Spiders
Myriapodology
Taxonomy of Millipedes
Molecular taxonomy
Collaboration of classical taxonomy of spiders and millipedes with molecular techniques
Phylogeography
Evolutionary history and geographical distribution of fauna
Venom informatics
Detailed study of proteomics and therapeutic application of spider venom
Spider silk biotechnology
Study on genetics of spider silk and applications
Climate change and animal behaviour
Climate change and its effect on ethology of fauna
Sacred grove ecology
Faunal diversity studies and ecology of sacred groves
Desert ecology
Exploration of ecology and diversity of spiders in Indian deserts
Wetland ecology
Elucidating the value of wetlands by studying the faunal diversity and ecology