Indian zoos to microchip rare animals

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*http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/16/stories/2007111661850400.htm*

*Microchips to the aid of endangered animals *

 

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Scientists from Central Zoo Authority are on a

 

visit to Nehru Zoological Park

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HYDERABAD: As part of the conservation breeding initiative of Central Zoo

Authority (CZA), endangered species, which are pure breed in nature, are

being implanted with microchips at Nehru Zoological Park. Identification of

pure breed species can help in captive breeding plans of CZA and local zoo

authorities.

 

A team of scientists from CZA are on a three-day visit to Nehru Zoological

Park to identify pure breed or genetically superior species of Asiatic

lions, Bengal tigers, vultures and the mouse deer at the Hyderabad zoo.

Identifying pure breeds

 

" The CZA has decided that 50 major zoos must have at least 100 physically,

genetically and behaviourally healthy individuals of each critically

endangered wild animal species. To achieve this, existing pure breed animals

are being identified and animal history sheets are to be maintained by the

CZA and zoo authorities, " said Director of Hyderabad Zoo P. Bhaskar Reddy.

 

The team of scientists have started the identification of genetically

superior species from Hyderabad before visiting other zoos in the country.

" The project will be taken up in other noted zoos in the country. The idea

is to identify and separate animals of superior quality and breed them in

captivity, " Mr. Reddy said.

 

The scientists have already identified about three Asiatic lions and seven

Bengal tigers for the captive breeding programme.

 

" The mouse deer will also be fitted with these microchips. We have good

number of mouse deer population in Hyderabad zoo, " Mr. Reddy said.

 

Researchers from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, will prepare

and update history sheets of all the targeted species identified for

breeding. " Middle-aged, physically healthy and pure breed animals are being

identified for the project. Microchips help in monitoring and maintenance of

history sheet of animals, " the Director of Hyderabad Zoo P. Bhaskar Reddy

disclosed.