(IN): Breeding programme at Tripura zoo

August 20, 2008

*Breeding programme at Tripura zoo

* CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, Aug 19 – The Sepahijala Zoo authorities would soon launch

breeding of four endangered animals – Spectacled Monkeys, Clouded Leopard,

Binturong and Pig-tailed Macaque.

All the four species of animals are found in Tripura but they are virtually

on the brink of extinction elsewhere in the country. The Central Zoo

Authority (CZA) has already selected Sipahijala Zoo in West Tripura district

as one of the breeding centres, said Rajat Kanti Das, Wildlife Warden of the

sanctuary here today.

" The programme will come up very shortly " , he said adding that the CZA had

identified 35 zoos across the nation to conserve 61 species of endangered

animals.

After declaring the Zoo as Clouded Leopard National Park early this year,

the Zoo authority has sent a comprehensive plan for infrastructure building.

" We have sent a proposal amounting to Rs 1. 24 crore for initial work for

the 2008-2009 financial year and hope that the CZA would release the outlay

very shortly " , he said.

According to the last estimation (October, 2007), the number of Clouded

Leopard in the zoo stands at nine. " This figure is highest not only in North

East but also in the entire Eastern India " , he said.

As part of exchange programme, the Zoo authority has almost finalized a

'deal' with Patna Zoo authority to take one female Rhino.

Under the exchange programme, the Sepahijala Zoo authority will have to give

three pairs of animal – clouded leopard and pigtailed macaque to Patna Zoo

authority, he said.

One male Rhino is leading a lonely life for a long time in the Sipahijala

Zoo, country's one of the most attractive Zoos. " The lone male Rhino will

get his soul-mate if the exchange programme is implemented " , he added.

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United against elephant polo

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