The Western Regional Centre at Pune, Maharashtra was set up in September 1959 under the Second Five Year Plan of the Government of India. It is one of the Regional Centres of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Indian Peninsula is a complex natural unit of geomorphological and biogeographical evolution. The area south of the Narmada River known as Deccan Plateau is by far the most extensive biogeographic zone of Indian region. This large zone is relatively homogenous and is distinct from the neighbouring zones- the Western Ghats, Semi-arid and Gangetic Plain. It is further recognizable into five subdivisions viz. Deccan Plateau South, Deccan Plateau North, Eastern Highlands, Chota Nagpur and Central Highlands. The Deccan Plateau is a conglomeration of different types of ecosystems embracing myriad of biological wealth. The Western Ghats or “Sahyadri” running parallel to the west coast of India is one of the biodiversity hotspots of India. The part of the Western Ghats between Tapi River in north and Trekhol creek, Goa in south is geologically very distinct and unique. It is commonly referred to as Northern Western Ghats and extends across three states viz. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa.

 Geographical Coverage

The jurisdiction of the Centre extends the entire state of Maharashtra and Goa, Karnataka (4 districts), Gujarat (south eastern districts), Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman. The Centre is involved in the collection, preservation and identification of rich and diverse faunal resources of the area under jurisdiction by conducting field explorations and scientific studies.