Master Planning of Zoos - Central Zoo Authority

Technical Session IV
Conservation status of species of animals held in Indian zoos
n Critically endangered - 1%
n Vulnerable - 4%
n Endangered - 3%
n Low risk category - 8%
n Lowest risk least concerned -84%
Enriching animal collection in zoos
n Capture (Prior to 1972)
n Exchange between zoos
n Orphan animals/Rescued animals
Status of animal exhibits in Zoos
n Single sexed animal
n Low number-skewed sex ratio
n Natural groupings absent
n Sick/injured/weak animals
n Aberrant/ stereo type behaviour
n Inappropriate enclosure
n Lack of enrichment
n Animal information/display boards
Conservation Breeding of Captive stock of Animals in Zoos
n Develop self-sustaining captive and stable population – For exhibiting or
exchange
n Conserve the species gene pool which is threatened, endangered or
extinct in wild
Strategy for self-sustaining & stable population
n Acquire animals
n Breed over a long period
n Selectively inbred strains – homogeneous genetic source
n Not suitable for re-introduction
n Acquire male/female of different genetic source
n Will it introduce genetic variability?
Zoo stock- Genetic variability
n Zoo genetic lines/inbred strains has:
- high risk of loss of vigour , reduced vitality , vulnerability to disease,
low fertility & growth rate.
Result –Population failure
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