In a first, Darjeeling zoo gets biobank to collect cell, tissue samples
Key Points
India's First Wildlife Bio-bank has been established at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, commonly known as Darjeeling Zoo, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation. This initiative is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, which covers biodiversity and environmental conservation. Last Updated: 2025-02-22
Key Facts About India's First Wildlife Bio-bank
- India's first wildlife bio-bank is located at Darjeeling Zoo.
- It has been operational since July 2024.
- The bio-bank collects DNA and tissue samples from animals.
- Currently, it holds samples from 60 animals across 23 species.
- Focuses on the preservation of endangered species.
- Functions as a 'frozen zoo' for genetic material.
- Stores cells, tissues, and reproductive samples at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
- Part of a national conservation plan and collaborates with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.
- Plans to establish more bio-banks at Delhi National Zoo and Nandankanan Zoo.
India's Strategic Move in Wildlife Conservation
The establishment of India's first wildlife bio-bank at Darjeeling Zoo is a strategic move towards preserving biodiversity and endangered species. This initiative aligns with India's broader goals of enhancing biodiversity conservation and supporting sustainable development. By preserving genetic material, India can contribute to global conservation efforts and potentially improve its rankings in biodiversity indices.
Related Government Schemes/Policies
- National Wildlife Action Plan: Aims to conserve wildlife and their habitats.
- Project Tiger: Focuses on tiger conservation and habitat protection.
- Project Elephant: Ensures the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation.
- Prelims: Questions on the location and significance of the bio-bank, and its operational details.
- Mains: Analytical themes on biodiversity conservation strategies, the role of bio-banks in preserving endangered species.
- Essay Paper: Topics on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
FAQ Section
- What is India's first wildlife bio-bank?
India's first wildlife bio-bank is a facility at Darjeeling Zoo that collects and preserves DNA and tissue samples from animals, focusing on endangered species. - Why is the wildlife bio-bank important?
The bio-bank is crucial for conserving genetic material, aiding in species revival, and supporting captive breeding techniques, especially for endangered species. - What are the key features of the bio-bank?
The bio-bank stores samples from 60 animals across 23 species at -196°C in liquid nitrogen, operating under a national conservation plan.
Detailed Coverage
- India's first wildlife bio-bank established at Darjeeling Zoo.
- Operational since July 2024.
- Collects DNA and tissue samples from animals.
- Currently has samples from 60 animals across 23 species.
- Emphasis on preserving endangered species.
- Bio-bank is a 'frozen zoo' for genetic material.
- Stores cells, tissues, and reproductive samples.
- Samples kept at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
- Operates under a national conservation plan.
- Collaborates with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.
- Plans for more bio-banks at Delhi National Zoo and Nandankanan Zoo.
- Vital for species revival like American black-footed ferret.
- Supports captive breeding techniques.
- Darjeeling Zoo is India's largest high-altitude zoo.
- Specializes in alpine species such as snow leopards.
- Home to endangered fauna including gorals and Siberian tigers.