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Saving endangered species, one DNA sample at a time: Here is Delhi Zoo's new conservation plan
Eyeing long-term conservation and research projects, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is exploring the possibility of setting up an on-site wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad.
The proposed facility is expected to collect and preserve genetic material — DNA, tissues, reproductive cells — from animals at the zoo. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to strengthen ex-situ conservation in Indian zoos.
The biobank at the zoo in the Capital is expected to follow a model already implemented at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, which became the first to establish such a facility under the initiative earlier this year.
While the process is in its early stages, officials involved in the project said the proposed biobank in the city could contribute to building a national repository of genetic material for conservation science. The samples collected are intended strictly for research and regulated breeding purposes, under the supervision of the CZA and CCMB, as third-party usage requires explicit approval.
In 2021, the Delhi zoo was among six zoos that had been identified by the CZA to join the Consortium of Indian Zoos for Biobanking of Wildlife Genetic Resources under a pilot project.
The programme was built on a tripartite agreement signed in 2019 between the CZA, CCMB-LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species), and the selected zoos.
Under this agreement, zoos, including Delhi's NZP, have been encouraged to collect biological samples from deceased animals, as well as from live animals during health interventions, for submission to the National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank (NWGRB) at the CCMB's laboratory.
'We are roping in CCMB for biobanking. This will help us preserve DNA, tissues, organs, and gametes of endangered or vulnerable species. The cells will be taken from dead animals and kept in a cold storage facility,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, Director, National Zoological Park. 'This will help preserve the genetic pool for future conservation and research…'
According to scientists at CCMB, while this can be done on all animals, endangered or endemic species will be in focus.
As per the October-December 2024 quarterly inventory report of the National Zoological Park, it is home to several endangered species listed under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
These include the Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros (Greater One-Horned Rhino), Sloth Bear, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian Wolf, Indian Bison (Gaur), Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog), Eld's Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Himalayan Black Bear, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial, Indian Rock Python, and Spectacled Cobra.
At present, samples collected from zoos are sent to the CCMB facility in Hyderabad. According to officials, this has posed logistical challenges. 'Bringing samples to the CCMB facility after postmortem is a challenge. They need to be preserved within four hours. That's the reason for the need for localised facilities,' Dr Govindha-swamy Umapathy, Chief Scientist, the CCMB, told The Indian Express.
When asked why the biobanks have not been established yet, Umapathy said, 'Very simple technology is enough and sufficient; however, management-level hurdles in different zoos have caused a delay in creating such facilities.'
As per the agreement, the CZA has committed financial support for participating zoos to establish infrastructure, such as cold storage rooms. CCMB-LaCONES, acting as the technical partner, has been providing training for zoo veterinarians, biologists, and staff on collection, preservation, and transport of samples.
'As per the MoU, we have regularly trained zoo directors, veterinarians and scientists on the effective usage of modern technology, which includes bio-banking,' Umapathy added.
Dr Kumar, meanwhile, said the pandemic as well as staff shortage has meant that such conservation initiatives have been delayed. Increased focus on research and conservation studies is also part of the Delhi Zoo's modernisation plan, he added.
