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Conservation Breeding Program of Red Panda in Sikkim and
Darjeeling
Presented ByJagat Bahadur DebbarmaRange Forest OfficerDepartment of ForestsGovernment of Tripura
Red Panda : Biology, Distribution and Status
Role of Zoological Park’s in conservation of Red Panda
Conservation through Breeding Programs
Case Study
Conclusion
Flow of the Topic
Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens Biology: Smaller animal than giant Panda weighs 3 kgs
Mainly arboreal in natureGestation period - 131 days Requires 18 months to attain maturity
Distribution: Moutainous forests with bamboo under-storey Vegetation types - Temperate montane, Sub tropical & Tropical forests Distributed in mountainous band of Nepal, through North -East India, Bhutan
and in China.
Threats: Loss of habitat fragmentation Poaching for skins and for pet trade Predation
Status: Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act,1972 Vulnerable
Introduction
Role of Zoological Park???
1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal
2. Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok, Sikkim
Status of captive Red Panda population in Indian Zoo as on 31st March,2009
Zoological Park
Male Female Total
PNHZP 10 3 13
HZP 7 1 8
Total 17 4 21
(Srivastav et al., 2009)
Important and valuable activity used to save species from extinction.
Effective management of captive population can leads to re-introduction of the species.
Conservation breeding programme in India is a joint venture of in-situ and ex-situ wildlife managers.
Chief wildlife wardens and protected area managers to identify the species
Conservation Breeding programmes
Animal: Identify the species for breeding programmes Identify the habitat of the species Conduct the census of the targeted species Analyse the habitat of the species Take correct measures to address the cause of decline of the
wild population Select the localized population
Zoo: 2 to 4 zoo’s in habitat range of targeted species should be
selected as coordinating and participatory zoo. 25 founder animals should be selected. Satellite facility or off display breeding facility should be
selected.
Steps for Conservation Breeding Programmes
Ex-situ conservation of red panda in PNHZP Darjeeling A planned conservation breeding project was initiated in 1990
Initially the park had 4 red pandas of wild origin in the stock
5 more red pandas were added at different times to continue planned breeding
Total enclosures -7
Total animals – 12(4:8)
By 2003, there were 22 red pandas in PNHZP
Population was therefore considered well enough to release two zoo born red panda into wild
Two females, SWEETY and MINI were selected to release
Case Study
Singalila National Park was selected for reintroduction to wild.
Preliminary investigation of Singalila NP were collected based on secondary information.
Floristic and faunal studies were conducted in red panda range.
Threats assessment was conducted.
Population census of red panda was conducted through direct and indirect methods.
Suitability and need for the red panda into national park was analysed.
Steps followed for Re-introduction
Contd…
Area of 5 ha in Gairbas range in Singalila National Park was selected for final release.
SWEETY and MINI, two selected female red pandas were radio collared for further monitoring.
They were kept in soft release for 7 months after that they released to wild.
Continuous monitoring on alternate days.
Mini was more mobile, travelled to Nepal side and poached.
Sweety mated with wild panda and gave birth to single cub.
Contd…
Steps followed for Re-introduction
Maintenance of records on feeding behavior is followed in prescribed format.
Regular information in captive stock sent to WII for genetic and demographic analysis.
Updates also sent to the International Stud Book Keeper, who facilitates exchange programme.
Analysis of genetic viability of the stock is done at CCMB Hyderabad.
Regular health checkup was conducted.
Population Management in Captivity
Present In-situ Studies
In 2002, Red Panda Census – 2 phases
Conduct meeting & train locals for census
Assess population number
Assess habitat
Further verification of population status by genetic analysis through fecal samples
Other existing animals in Red Panda habitat
Threat analysis
GIS mapping of National park
Outcome of Project
Help to understand behaviour, habit & habitat of species.
Gives baseline data for species management.
Helps in management of National Park.
Helps in study of vegetation communities, composition, species distribution, abundance & richness of park.
Assessment of anthropogenic impact & vegetation mapping of park.
Conserve flora & fauna of species habitat.
Conservation of Red Panda helps in conservation of biodiversity.
Conclusion
Red Panda – a charismatic animal Mountainous forests with bamboo under-storey Schedule-I of WPA,1972 Vulnerable
Threats: Loss of habitat fragmentation Poaching for skins and for pet trade Predation
Conservation Breeding Programs (CBP’s) mainly done byPadmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling,
West BengalHimalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok, Sikkim
CBP’s helps to save species from extinction and effective management of captive population can leads to re-introduction of the species.