National Wildlife Health Policy | 19 Dec 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian government proposed a National Wildlife Health Policy aimed at addressing health threats faced by wildlife.  

What is the Proposed National Wildlife Health Policy? 

• About: 
  • The Central Zoo Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), organized a consultative workshop involving government departments, NGOs, academic institutions, zoological parks, and veterinary universities.  
    • The policy development is being supported by institutions such as the GISE Hub at IIT Bombay and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. 
• Aim:  
  • The policy will complement India's National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and the One Health policy, which aims to optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment by recognizing their interdependence. 
  • The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) outlines 103 conservation actions and 250 projects.  
    • These include creating a standard protocol for disease surveillance in tiger reserves, protected areas, and forests, as well as establishing a legally binding protocol for mercy killing and euthanasia of wild animals. 
  • The policy will also cover areas such as managing wildlife pathogen risk, disease outbreak preparedness and response, and biosecurity. 
  • The policy aimed to promote R&D initiatives focused on wildlife diseases and health management strategies. 
    • Enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation and management. 
• Current Wildlife Health Challenges: 
  • Indian wildlife is facing various health issues, including infectious diseases (Canine Distemper Virus), habitat loss, climate change impacts, and illegal activities. 
    • The policy is required as India is home to over 91,000 species of wildlife, with more than 1,000 protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.