Latest news with #AsiaticLion
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Officials stunned as majestic creature makes surprising comeback from brink of extinction: 'Increased steadily'
This year's survey of the Asiatic lion population has revealed that it has increased by over one-third since the last survey, AFP reported in an article shared by Today, the remaining population of the Asiatic lion is confined to a nature preserve in the west of India. However, once it roamed the entire country and all the way to the Middle East. Human activity, including habitat destruction and deliberate hunting, destroyed the population of this magnificent animal, reducing it to only 20 individuals in 1913. Now, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population has increased to almost 45 times its previous size. "The Asiatic lion population, which was 304 in 1995, has increased steadily over the past three decades," Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters, per AFP. Gujarat is the state in which the Asiatic lion's current habitat is located. "In 2020 it was 674, which has now increased to 891." A survey of the lions' population is conducted every five years, covering over 13,000 square miles. It takes four days and is an important part of ongoing efforts to increase the still-threatened population of Asiatic lions. Although the Asiatic lion is a conservation success story, the fight is not over. Having only a single population of the species, and having them located in only one place, makes them vulnerable to disasters such as disease outbreaks. The small number of individuals also leaves this species vulnerable to inbreeding and the problems that follow from a lack of genetic diversity. Nevertheless, the Asiatic lion is popular and draws thousands of tourists to the area every year. This makes it easier to fund conservation efforts. "Another important factor here is the political will and support of the local people living near the forest areas," Gadhvi said. "They together have helped in conservation of the species." Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
India.com
13-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
7 Animal Species In India That Are Extinct Now
photoDetails english Updated:Jun 13, 2025, 09:28 PM IST Asiatic Lion 1 / 7 The Asiatic lion is only found in Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat and it is one of the species which is on the verge of extinction. Bengal Tiger 2 / 7 The Bengal Tiger, a flagship species in India, is found in various protected areas but is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction due to various threats. Snow Leopard 3 / 7 The Snow Leopard is found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas but is critically endangered. Nilgiri Tahr 4 / 7 The Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat native to South India's Nilgiri Hills, is critically endangered. 5 / 7 Great Indian Bustard is a large bird found in grasslands and semi-arid regions. Blackbuck 6 / 7 Blackbuck is a large antelope found in various parts of India but critically endangered. 7 / 7 One-horned Rhinoceros found in Assam and West Bengal, primarily in protected areas. (Image: Freepik)
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Delhi zoo revises norms to allow 1-day adoptions
The Delhi zoo authorities are working to revise their animal adoption policy to get more residents' involvement in wildlife conservation and to allow for cheaper and shorter adoptions, officials said, adding that the new policy is likely to be rolled out this year. The idea, they said, is to make the process affordable even for visitors who wish to take animals home for a single day — to celebrate birthdays or other occasions. 'The number of people adopting animals at present is fairly low. We are looking to change that. The idea is to make the process of adoption simpler, with people being able to adopt animals for much shorter periods — of one month, three months, six months and even a single day. Earlier, they could only do it for one or two years. Visitors may adopt an animal on their birthday. Similarly, we will encourage people to adopt animals when it is the birthday of an animal at our zoo,' Sanjeet Kumar, director of the zoo, said. The animal adoption programme, launched in 2022, was initially aimed at helping fund the upkeep of animals through contributions by individuals, companies and institutions. Adopters were allowed to support an animal for a minimum of one year, with incentives such as membership cards, a certificate, monthly visits, and signages featuring their name near the animal enclosure. Despite the benefits, zoo officials admit the uptake has been limited, with only a handful of animals — including a white tiger, an elephant, rhinos, and a few exotic birds — having been adopted under the scheme so far. Kumar said the reason for lack of participation could be the high adoption fee and that a revamped fee structure is in the works. 'We will divide the animals and birds into four to five categories and define a standardised fee for adoption. The one-day adoption fees will start at ₹100 or ₹500 — based on the category of the animal. At present, ₹600 is the lowest fee for adoption and it goes up to ₹6 lakh,' he said. Further, the zoo is also exploring possibilities of making adoption contributions eligible for income tax exemption, which could be part of the revised policy rollout expected later this year. Spread across 176 acres, the Delhi zoo was inaugurated in 1959 and is home to over 1,100 animals representing nearly 95 species, including endangered ones like the Asiatic Lion, one-horned rhinoceros, and Indian wolf. HT had recently reported how the zoo is also preparing for a larger revamp, with officials finalising plans for a multi-crore upgradation focused on improved animal habitats and visitor facilities, which includes glass walls and natural enclosures.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Time of India
6 endangered species you can still spot in India, and where
India is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including some of the world's most endangered animals. If you a wildlife enthusiasts, you should definitely keep these endangered species in your watchlist. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here, are some of those endangered species that you can still find in India, and places where you can find them. Bengal tiger The Bengal tiger is India's national animal and one of the most powerful big cats in the world. Nearly 70% of the global wild tiger population lives in India, especially in famous reserves like Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, and Bandhavgarh. Despite protection efforts, it remains endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, making every tiger sighting a rare and thrilling moment for visitors. Asiatic Lion The Asiatic lion is a rare and majestic species found only in the Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat. Smaller than African lions but with a striking mane and strong build, these lions live in small family groups called prides. The Gir Forest is their last safe refuge after populations dropped dangerously low. Conservation efforts have helped their numbers grow slowly. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Gir can take guided safaris to see lions roam freely. Snow Leopard The snow leopard is a big cat that lives in the high, cold mountains of the Himalayas, including Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Its thick fur and smoky-gray coat with rosettes help it blend into rocky, snowy landscapes. Snow leopards are elusive and shy, so sightings are rare and special. They face threats from climate change, poaching, and habitat disturbance. One-horned rhinoceros Also known as the Indian rhinoceros, the one-horned rhino has thick, armor-like skin and a single black horn. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It mainly lives in the grasslands and forests of Assam, especially in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. These parks have worked hard to protect rhinos from poaching and habitat loss. Once on the brink of extinction, their numbers have slowly increased. Blackbuck The blackbuck is a beautiful antelope famous for its striking black and white coloring and long, spiraling horns. It lives in dry grasslands and open plains across India, especially in places like Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in Gujarat. Blackbucks are fast runners and graceful jumpers. Unfortunately, hunting and habitat loss have made them endangered. Visitors can often spot herds of blackbucks grazing peacefully in the wild in India. Lion-tailed Macaque The lion-tailed macaque is a rare monkey known for its shiny black fur, silver mane, and tufted tail resembling a lion's tail. It is native to the rainforests of the Western Ghats, mainly in Kerala and Karnataka. This animal spends most of its time high in the treetops and is difficult to spot. Visitors trekking through the Western Ghats might be lucky enough to see this unique and endangered species in its lush forest home.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
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.
