Agartala: Tripura forest department has initiated a special ex-situ breeding programme for clouded leopard; one of the IUCN listed endangered species of wild cats found in the forests of Tripura. The breeding programme has been so far successful and one of the female cats is expectant, Chief Wildlife Warden Rameshwar Das told ETV Bharat.
Not only the leopards, spectacled langoor and pig-tailed macaque have also been included in the special ex-situ conservation drive.
“Tripura Forest department has started ex-situ conservation of three wildlife species—clouded leopard, spectacled lagoor and pig-tailed macaque. Since the population of these species are dwindling in-situ, this special drive has been undertaken”, Das pointed out.
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Explaining the term ex-situ, he said, ex-situ and in-situ are antonymous to each other. In-situ conservation means an increase of population in the natural habitat. On the other hand, ex-situ conservation stands for creation of the breeding conducive atmosphere for the selected animal. As the population of all these animals that are enlisted in the IUCN red list are declining considerably, special measures have been put in place to preserve them, he added.
“We have done a lot in the case of the clouded leopard. One of the female cat is pregnant in Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary. The population of spectacled langoor and pig-tailed macaques have also increased”, said Das.
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Sources said, five clouded leopards were introduced to Sepahijala and now the total number stands at seven. A dedicated medical team headed by a doctor is looking after the health condition of the animals. Moreover, attempts are afoot to appoint one more doctor. A breeding expert is also guiding the zoo authorities.
On being asked about the other projects, Das said, “apart from these three species special emphasis is being put on Elephant, Bison and Vulture. We are doing elephant camp at Teliamura, we are doing Hornbill in the same place. Vulture is another important part. In India, the vultures are declining at a rapid pace. We are setting up a vulture breeding centre at Teliamura”.
