India's Zoo Conservation Efforts Face Key Challenges Despite Progress in Breeding Endangered Species

New Delhi, March 2, 2025 — India's zoos have made significant strides in breeding endangered species as part of national conservation programs, but a recent government report highlights persistent gaps in funding, execution, and species management that undermine the overall success of these efforts.

In 2023, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) formed a committee to assess the state of conservation breeding programs across zoos in India. The CZA has overseen ex situ conservation efforts since 2007, initially selecting 74 species across 43 zoos for breeding programs. By 2014, the focus narrowed to 26 high-priority species, and breeding programs for 23 species were launched.

While the committee’s report acknowledges the "notable progress" in housing and breeding endangered species, it emphasizes that persistent operational challenges hinder the overall success. These include issues with foundational infrastructure, financial constraints, and ineffective management practices.

Funding Shortfalls Impact Conservation Programs​

Between 2006 and 2011, the CZA allocated Rs 10.81 crore for conservation breeding, which increased to Rs 18.13 crore from 2011 to 2021. However, with reduced financial support in recent years, zoos have faced difficulties in sustaining these programs. The report indicates that the shrinking budget has largely been allocated to routine maintenance, leaving little room for innovative breeding initiatives.

"This reduction in financial assistance has had cascading effects on the implementation and sustainability of these programs," the committee's report stated, urging for enhanced funding and comprehensive frameworks to address the challenges.

Key Species and Breeding Struggles​

Among the groups receiving the most attention in India's conservation breeding programs are Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), Carnivora (meat-eating mammals), and Galliformes (game birds). Despite these efforts, many breeding programs have either not started or are poorly managed, with species identification errors complicating population management. The Alpine Musk Deer and Himalayan Serow, for example, face challenges due to these misidentifications.

The report further highlights the difficulty in maintaining genetic diversity, poor record-keeping, and improper tracking, all of which limit the success of breeding programs. While species like the Gaur (Bos gaurus) and Indian Chevrotain (Moschiola indica) have shown growth, they also expose ongoing problems, including inconsistent record-keeping and uncoordinated animal transfers.

Species Struggling with Low Birth Rates​

Some species have also faced issues such as low birth rates and poor genetic diversity. Primates, Squamata (reptiles), and Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) are particularly affected. Species like the King Cobra and Western Hoolock Gibbon require specific environmental conditions that are currently unmet in zoo settings, lowering their chances for successful breeding.

The report notes that while certain bird species, such as vultures (White-rumped and Indian Vultures), have seen population growth, they too face challenges like unsexed individuals and improper use of founder stock, which limits genetic diversity.

Need for Better Management​

While some species like the Nicobar Pigeon and Red-crowned Roofed Turtle maintain stable populations, they require better management to ensure long-term sustainability. Others, such as the Shaheen Falcon and Malabar Pied Hornbill, have not yet received structured conservation efforts, with many animals in these populations being solitary or rescued individuals.

Species like the Indian Giant Squirrel and Indian Pangolin, which are facing population declines, also suffer from low breeding success and poor tracking. Despite these challenges, the Himalayan Salamander has shown recent growth, although it remains confined to a single facility without structured management.

Common Challenges Across Species​

The committee’s findings reveal that small populations, poor demographic and genetic monitoring, and improper husbandry practices are common across various species groups. Additionally, inadequate technical supervision, poor documentation, lack of animal identification, and insufficient adherence to breeding protocols are widespread issues that hinder the effectiveness of these conservation programs.

The committee emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between zoos and greater adherence to standardized breeding protocols to enhance the success of India’s endangered species conservation initiatives.

With the right investments and improvements in execution, the report concludes, India's zoos could significantly boost their efforts in conserving endangered species and restoring populations in the wild.