Conservation Breeding in Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP)

• 05 Jun 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in India, particularly in the successful breeding and nurturing of Striped hyenas and Asiatic wild dogs (Dhole).

What are the Key Points About Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP)?

• It is an ex-situ facility established in 1977, located amidst Seethakonda Reserve Forest in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is surrounded by Eastern Ghats on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth side.
• It is a large category zoo recognised by the Central Zoo Authority.
  • Due to its close proximity to Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary it is also home to many free-ranging animals and birds.
• IGZP has successfully bred striped hyenas, wild dogs, Indian grey wolves, ring-tailed lemurs, Indian bison, blue and gold macaws, jungle cats, and eclectus parrots.

Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole)

• About:
  • Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a wild carnivorous animal and is a member of the family Canidae and the class Mammalia.
• Habitat:,
  • Historically widespread across southern Russia to southeast Asia, they are now mainly found in south and southeast Asia, with northern populations in China.
  • In India, they are clustered in the Western and Eastern Ghats, central India, and northeast India.
• Conservation:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List: Endangered
  • The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II
  • The creation of reserves under Project Tiger provided some protection for dhole populations sympatric with tigers.

Striped Hyenas

• About:
  • The Striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) are one of the three hyena species.
    • Other hyena species include Brown hyenas, and Spotted hyenas (the largest).
  • They are smaller and less social than the more well-known Spotted hyena.
• Challenges to Conservation: Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Status: Near Threatened
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I