Darjeeling Zoo’s Revolutionary Conservation Efforts

The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in Darjeeling is pioneering conservation for Himalayan species. In June 2024, it became India’s first zoo to establish a genetic biobank. This facility aims to preserve the DNA of endangered species like red pandas and snow leopards. The zoo is also actively involved in breeding and rewilding programmes, impacting the conservation landscape in India.

Genetic Biobank Initiative

The genetic biobank is a groundbreaking step for Indian zoos. It preserves genetic material from nine endangered Himalayan species. This includes red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahrs. The facility uses advanced cryogenic technology to store DNA samples. This initiative safeguards the reproductive potential of endangered species. It allows for future genetic research and conservation efforts.

Red Panda Breeding and Rewilding

The zoo has launched a successful conservation breeding programme for red pandas. It aims to rewild these animals in their natural habitats. Training is crucial for acclimatising captive-bred pandas. They learn essential survival skills like foraging and predator recognition. So far, nine red pandas have been released into the wild, with successful mating observed.

Focus on Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is critical for the survival of red pandas. Inbreeding depression is an important concern due to their solitary nature. The zoo’s efforts aim to mitigate this issue by ensuring a healthy genetic pool. This approach is vital for maintaining robust populations in the wild.

Snow Leopard Conservation

The zoo also focuses on snow leopards, though rewilding them presents challenges. They are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The zoo has a breeding programme for snow leopards but lacks a clear rewilding plan. Their natural habitats are far from Darjeeling, complicating release efforts.

Comprehensive Ecosystem Protection

Conservation at the zoo extends beyond individual species. The aim is to protect entire ecosystems. This holistic approach ensures that various species can thrive together. The zoo has also initiated breeding programmes for lesser-known species like the Himalayan newt.

Research and Veterinary Care

The zoo’s veterinary team plays a vital role in animal care and research. They conduct studies on anaesthesia protocols and health assessments. This research contributes to a global understanding of Himalayan species. It fills existing gaps in veterinary knowledge for both captive and wild animals.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the significance of genetic biobanks in wildlife conservation.
2. Point out the challenges faced in the rewilding of snow leopards compared to red pandas.
3. Estimate the impact of inbreeding depression on endangered species populations.
4. With suitable examples, explain the importance of preserving entire ecosystems in conservation efforts.
5. Underline the role of veterinary research in enhancing conservation strategies for Himalayan species.

1. Critically analyse the significance of genetic biobanks in wildlife conservation.

Genetic biobanks play important role in wildlife conservation by preserving the genetic diversity of endangered species. Here are several key points denoting their significance –

1. Preservation of Genetic Material: Genetic biobanks store DNA, gametes, and other biological materials from endangered species, ensuring that their genetic information is preserved even if the species faces extinction in the wild.
2. Facilitation of Breeding Programs: They provide a genetic reservoir for breeding programs. This is particularly important for species suffering from inbreeding depression, as it allows for the introduction of new genetic material, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and overall population viability.
3. Research and Scientific Advancements: Genetic biobanks serve as valuable resources for researchers studying genetics, evolution, and adaptation. They enable scientists to conduct studies that can inform conservation strategies and improve our understanding of species’ responses to environmental changes.
4. Assistance in Rewilding Efforts: In scenarios where captive breeding is necessary, genetic biobanks can help in rewilding efforts by providing genetic material that can be used to create genetically diverse populations in their natural habitats.
5. Backup for Extinction Scenarios: In the event that a species becomes extinct in the wild, genetic biobanks offer a potential means of resurrection through advanced techniques like cloning or selective breeding, thereby acting as a safeguard for biodiversity.

Thus, genetic biobanks are vital for the long-term survival of endangered species. They not only aid in immediate conservation efforts but also lay the groundwork for future scientific discoveries and the potential revival of species that may otherwise be lost to extinction.

2. Point out the challenges faced in the rewilding of snow leopards compared to red pandas.

Rewilding efforts for snow leopards present unique challenges when compared to those for red pandas. Here are some critical factors –

1. Habitat Suitability: Snow leopards require specific mountainous habitats that are often far removed from their breeding centers. Unlike red pandas, which can be rewilded in their native forests, snow leopards need to be released in regions like northern Sikkim or Ladakh, which complicates logistics and habitat assessment.
2. Training Requirements: Snow leopards are apex predators, and their rewilding requires extensive training to develop hunting and survival skills. This training is more complex than that of red pandas, which primarily need to learn foraging techniques and predator avoidance.
3. Social Structure: Snow leopards are solitary animals and have larger territories than red pandas. This solitary nature makes monitoring and ensuring successful integration into the wild more challenging, as they may not establish territories or find mates effectively.
4. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Snow leopards often come into conflict with livestock farmers, leading to retaliatory killings. This risk necessitates comprehensive community engagement and conflict mitigation strategies, which are less pronounced in red panda conservation.
5. Conservation Awareness: Snow leopards are less popular among the general public compared to red pandas, which can affect funding and support for their conservation and rewilding programs.

In this way, while both species face conservation challenges, the complexities associated with snow leopard rewilding are heightened due to habitat requirements, training needs, and socio-economic factors, necessitating tailored conservation strategies.

3. Estimate the impact of inbreeding depression on endangered species populations.

Inbreeding depression affects the viability of endangered species populations in various ways –

1. Reduced Genetic Diversity: Inbreeding leads to a decrease in genetic variation, making populations more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes. This is particularly critical for small populations where individuals are more likely to breed with relatives.
2. Lowered Reproductive Success: Inbred individuals often exhibit reduced fertility and higher rates of miscarriage, leading to fewer offspring and a declining population. For example, studies show that inbreeding can result in lower litter sizes in mammals.
3. Increased Susceptibility to Diseases: A lack of genetic diversity can weaken the immune system, making populations more vulnerable to pathogens. This has been documented in various species, where inbred populations face higher mortality rates due to disease outbreaks.
4. Physical and Behavioral Abnormalities: Inbreeding can result in phenotypic abnormalities, such as reduced size, deformities, and behavioral issues. These factors can impact survival and reproduction, further threatening population stability.
5. Long-Term Population Viability: Ultimately, inbreeding depression can lead to a population’s extinction if not addressed. Conservation strategies often focus on managing genetic diversity to mitigate these effects, denoting the importance of genetic health in species recovery efforts.

Thus, inbreeding depression poses a serious threat to the survival of endangered species, emphasizing the need for genetic management and conservation strategies that prioritize maintaining genetic diversity.

4. With suitable examples, explain the importance of preserving entire ecosystems in conservation efforts.

Preserving entire ecosystems is crucial for effective conservation for several reasons –

1. Biodiversity Maintenance: Ecosystems are composed of various species that interact and rely on one another. For instance, preserving coral reefs not only protects the coral species but also the myriad of fish and marine life that depend on them for habitat and food.
2. Habitat Protection: Conserving ecosystems safeguards the habitats of multiple species, thereby ensuring their survival. The Amazon rainforest, for example, is home to countless species, and its preservation is vital for maintaining global biodiversity.
3. Ecological Functions: Ecosystems provide essential services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Wetlands, for example, play a critical role in flood control and water filtration, benefiting both wildlife and human communities.
4. Resilience to Environmental Changes: Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to changes such as climate change and invasive species. Diverse ecosystems can better withstand disturbances, as seen in diverse forests that recover more quickly from wildfires compared to monoculture plantations.
5. Supporting Local Communities: Ecosystems often support local communities through resources like food, medicine, and tourism. The preservation of savannah ecosystems, for instance, is essential for the livelihoods of indigenous peoples who rely on them for sustenance and cultural practices.

Thus, preserving entire ecosystems is vital for maintaining biodiversity, ecological integrity, and the livelihoods of human communities, making it a fundamental aspect of effective conservation strategies.

5. Underline the role of veterinary research in enhancing conservation strategies for Himalayan species.

Veterinary research plays a very important role in boosting conservation strategies for Himalayan species through various avenues –

1. Health Monitoring: Regular health assessments and disease monitoring ensure that captive and wild populations remain healthy, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks that could decimate vulnerable species.
2. Development of Treatment Protocols: Research into species-specific veterinary care, such as anaesthesia protocols for red pandas, enhances animal welfare and survival rates during medical procedures, which is critical in conservation efforts.
3. Conservation Breeding Programs: Veterinary research informs breeding programs by identifying genetic health issues and optimizing breeding strategies to enhance genetic diversity, essential for the long-term viability of endangered populations.
4. Behavioral Studies: About the behavior and needs of species through veterinary research aids in designing better habitats and training protocols, particularly for rewilding efforts, as seen with the training of red pandas for survival skills.
5. Collaboration and Data Sharing: Veterinary research contributes to a broader understanding of Himalayan species, allowing for collaboration among zoos and conservation organizations globally, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of conservation strategies.

In this way, veterinary research is integral to conservation strategies for Himalayan species, providing essential insights and practices that enhance animal health, breeding success, and overall conservation outcomes.