It is a matter of concern that wildlife species such as Golden Langoor, 0ne-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopards in NE are under threat.

Sensing threat to the endemic and endangered animals in North East, efforts are being made for planned breeding of these species to ensure that their numbers do not dwindle in the region.

“Breeding programmes are already under way in zoos in various North East States. But it is for the first time that coordinated efforts will be taken to ensure planned breeding in these zoos on scientific basis,” B R Sharma, member secretary of Central Zoo Authority said. A meeting of officials of State Forest departments, zoos in North East and Central Zoo Authority would be held soon to chalk out a strategy to ensure breeding of endangered and local animals in a planned manner in nine zoos across the States in the region. Sharma said Sariska-like situation might repeat in the North East if adequate steps were not taken in this regard.

It has become a matter of great concern that wildlife species such as Capped Langoor, Golden Langoor, Hoolock gibbon – the only ape found in rainforests of Arunanchal Pradesh, Assam and parts of Nagaland – one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopards in North East are under threat, he added.

Since they are endemic species found only on a particular geographical region because of its isolation, soil and climatic conditions, efforts will be taken that their habitat is not disturbed.

Sharma explained that absence of “particular requirement for the breeding of that particular species” results into the extinction of that animal. The programme is aimed to get an idea of populations, analyse their behavioural and migration patterns and feeding habits...this will help in conserving the animals in their natural surroundings,” Sharma said. For instance, he added, though in Delhi Zoo, Manipuri deer have been able to breed, it is yet not certain whether they have properly adjusted with the environment. “If required, we would send all the Manipuri deers back to their original habitats to ensure that they are saved from extinction,” Sharma said.

Several vital issues including manpower shortage in the Kaziranga National Park, progress in the reintroduction of rhinos to Manas National Park were discussed in a meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, sources said. With a brief attendance of the Chief Minister the meet took into account the acute shortage of manpower in Kaziranga, where there are around 110 posts lying vacant. The State Minister of Environment and Forests Rockybul Hussain said that Government would start recruiting for the posts soon. Significantly, three rhinos were slaughtered in Kaziranga recently, which indicated that poachers were making inroads inside the World Heritage Site. Another topic figuring in the discussion was whether Kakojana should be granted the status of a Wildlife Sanctuary. The exclusion of the Burhi Dihing river was also discussed in the meeting.

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