Description

Recent assessments have revealed significant gaps in India's conservation efforts for the endangered musk deer, which is listed as such by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Despite being protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, there are currently no active breeding initiatives for musk deer in Indian zoos. According to a recent report by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), not a single musk deer is held in captivity across the country, pointing to serious shortcomings in the conservation strategy.

Background Of Conservation Efforts

India’s attempts to conserve the musk deer date back to 1965. The initial focus was twofold: to develop a viable captive population for future reintroduction into the wild and to produce musk sustainably for medicinal use. Breeding centres were established in places like Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) and Almora (Uttarakhand). However, these programmes failed to achieve their intended goals. Although the musk deer population was estimated to be around 1,000 in the 1980s, it has since seen a significant decline.

Current Situation And Ongoing Challenges

The latest CZA report highlights the absence of reliable data on the current population of alpine musk deer in the wild, raising alarms about the species’ survival. It categorises the deer as "critically endangered." A major challenge has been the frequent misidentification between the alpine musk deer and the Himalayan musk deer, leading to ineffective management and misdirected conservation efforts.

Learning From Global Practices

Unlike India, countries such as China have made substantial progress in musk deer conservation. China has developed successful breeding programmes and techniques to collect musk without endangering the animals. These international examples underscore the urgent need for India to modernise and implement more robust conservation strategies.

Issues Of Genetic Integrity And Breeding Failures

The absence of a well-defined founder population has been a major roadblock for captive breeding initiatives in India. Poor documentation and species misidentification have compromised genetic purity, making breeding efforts ineffective. The CZA has expressed concern that numerous breeding plans for various endangered species remain either unlaunched or poorly managed, threatening their long-term survival in captivity.

Status Of Other Conservation Efforts

Challenges aren’t limited to musk deer alone. Similar issues affect the conservation of other endangered species. In Chhattisgarh, efforts are underway to establish a breeding centre for the wild water buffalo, although experts warn of potential risks related to genetic mixing. Meanwhile, a relatively successful initiative in Assam has reintroduced over 100 pygmy hogs into the wild since 2008, offering a glimmer of hope.

Call For Enhanced Research And Investment

Experts emphasize the need for increased funding and research to support conservation efforts. Greater focus on genomic research and demographic monitoring is essential to effectively manage and revive endangered species populations. Bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to obstruct critical data collection. However, the establishment of a dedicated laboratory for endangered species conservation in Hyderabad is seen as a positive development. More such initiatives and resources are needed to ensure a comprehensive and science-driven approach to wildlife conservation in India.

Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section