The wildlife rehabilitation centre in Mysuru has achieved a significant milestone with the successful breeding of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, marking the first such success in Karnataka. Since 2015, the Central Zoo Authority has spearheaded efforts to conserve and develop the lion-tailed macaque population under its species development project. The recent birth of an infant macaque has increased the number of macaques at the facility to four.
The Central Zoo Authority’s programme aims to maintain biodiversity by breeding endangered animals in captivity for eventual reintroduction into the wild. This initiative aligns with conservation efforts for species like the Indian wild dog, gaur, striped hyena, and Nilgiri langur, among others. The lion-tailed macaque, listed as endangered by the IUCN, is native to the Western Ghats in Karnataka, an area currently threatened by deforestation, encroachment, and other environmental pressures.
Vulture Sanctuary Faces Critical Challenges
The vulture sanctuary at Ramadevara Betta in Ramanagara, Asia’s first wildlife sanctuary dedicated to vultures, is struggling due to inadequate infrastructure and support. Established 12 years ago, the sanctuary spans 856 acres but suffers from a severe shortage of staff and lack of specialized training. The vulture population is affected by food shortages and disturbance from nearby traffic on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway.
Efforts are underway to address these issues, including potential operationalization of a vulture breeding centre at Bannerghatta and increased awareness programs. Bengaluru Rural MP Dr CN. Manjunath emphasized the need to prevent vultures from becoming extinct, while Mohammad Mansoor, RFO Ramanagara, highlighted the challenges in vulture conservation and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness.
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