Darjeeling: Now Wildlife DNA Samples to be Safely Preserved
Kolkata: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, has initiated India’s first project to preserve DNA samples of wildlife species found in snow-covered and high-altitude regions. It is the first zoo in the country to launch such a project.
Why in the News?
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has become the first zoo in India to initiate the preservation of DNA samples of high-altitude and snow-region wildlife species such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Wolf.
🌱 Significance:
✔ Supports both In-situ and Ex-situ conservation.
✔ Helps create a genetic database for future breeding, cloning, and disease studies.
✔ A scientific step forward in wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.
✔ Aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
🌍 Species Covered:
✅ Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) – Endangered
✅ Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) – Vulnerable
✅ Himalayan Wolf – Rare and under-researched
✅ Other cold-region wildlife species
About Padmaja Naidu:
Padmaja Naidu was a prominent Indian female leader, daughter of famous freedom fighter and poet Sarojini Naidu. She served as the Governor of West Bengal from 1956 to 1967, becoming the longest-serving woman in this role.
In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation - Difference and Importance
🔎 In-situ Conservation:
Meaning: Conservation of species in their natural habitats.
Examples:
• National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Biosphere Reserves
• Sacred Groves
Key Features:
✅ Protection within natural ecosystems
✅ Ecological balance maintenance
✅ Natural growth and reproduction
✅ Minimal human interference
Advantages:
✔ Complete ecosystem preservation
✔ Species remain adapted to their natural environment
🔎 Ex-situ Conservation:
Meaning: Conservation of species outside their natural habitats.
Examples:
• Zoological Parks
• Botanical Gardens
• Seed Banks
• DNA Banking
• Gene Banks
• Captive Breeding Centers
Key Features:
✅ Protection outside natural habitat
✅ Scientific conservation of endangered species
✅ Helps preserve genetic diversity
Advantages:
✔ Safe option for endangered species
✔ Useful for breeding programs, research, and reintroduction
Value-Add Point:
Examples of In-situ conservation in India: Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.
Examples of Ex-situ conservation: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, National Seed Bank, Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
Both models together form the pillars of biodiversity conservation.
MCQs:
1. What unique project has Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling recently started, making it India’s first zoo to do so?
A) Establishing a Climate Change Research Center
B) Conserving Himalayan medicinal plants
C) Preserving DNA samples of wildlife from snowy regions ✅
D) Creating a trans-boundary wildlife corridor
Answer: C
2. Which species plays a crucial role in this DNA sampling project?
A) Bengal Tiger
B) Red Panda ✅
C) Lion
D) Elephant
Answer: B
3. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is located in which state?
A) Sikkim
B) Assam
C) West Bengal ✅
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: C
4. Which is the first zoo in India to initiate the DNA sampling of Himalayan and snow-region wildlife species?
A) Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
B) Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata
C) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling ✅
D) Kanha National Park
Answer: C
5. What is the primary objective of this DNA sampling project?
A) Zoo promotion
B) Conservation of genetic diversity of snow-region wildlife ✅
C) Promoting tourism
D) Opening new zoos
Answer: B
6. Which of the following statements about the DNA sampling project is correct?
A) Its aim is to boost animal tourism.
B) It will assist in mapping genetic diversity for conservation planning. ✅
C) It focuses only on migratory birds.
D) It is entirely funded by UNESCO.
Answer: B
7. Which rare species are part of the conservation efforts at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park?
- Snow Leopard
- Red Panda
- Himalayan Wolf
- Indian Elephant
Choose the correct option:
A) Only 1, 2, and 3 ✅
B) Only 2 and 4
C) Only 1 and 3
D) All of the above
Answer: A
8. The DNA sampling project aligns with which global agreement?
A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Paris Agreement
C) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ✅
D) Ramsar Convention
Answer: C
9. In which year was Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park established?
A) 1958 ✅
B) 1975
C) 1956
D) 1965
Answer: A
10. What is the biggest benefit of DNA preservation for species like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard?
A) Helps increase zoo revenue
B) Assists in monitoring population trends and potential disease outbreaks ✅
C) Only useful for academic research
D) For tourist entertainment
Answer: B
Model Answer for UPSC Mains (GS-3 - Environment & Ecology)
❓ Question:
How does the recent DNA sample preservation project initiated by Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park strengthen wildlife conservation efforts in India? Discuss.
📄 Answer (200 words):
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, has become India’s first zoo to launch a DNA sample preservation project. This initiative focuses on species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Wolf—native to high-altitude regions.
The project adds scientific value to conservation efforts. DNA preservation aids in mapping genetic diversity, monitoring diseases, and supporting scientific breeding programs essential for long-term conservation. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to global biodiversity agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
Himalayan species face serious threats from climate change, habitat loss, and poaching. This initiative can assist in developing conservation strategies, promoting wildlife research, and identifying illegal wildlife trade.
Overall, the project promotes scientific conservation in India, shifting focus from traditional captive methods to DNA-based biodiversity preservation. This is a sustainable and long-term step toward securing India’s rich wildlife heritage.
✅ Important Keywords for UPSC Mains:
🔹 Genetic Diversity Conservation
🔹 Ex-situ Conservation Model
🔹 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
🔹 Climate Resilience for Himalayan Species
🔹 DNA Barcoding and Wildlife Forensics
🔹 Species Recovery Programs
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