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Habitat destruction hits rare species

PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM

NO PLACE TO HIDE In the absence of trees, the big cats stand exposed

Destruction of forests and hills in the name of development is resulting in the gradual extinction of rare and sometimes even common species of animals in the city and district. Wild dogs and hyena moving in large packs which was a common sight about a decade in the Kambalakonda forest, is now a rarity and even when spotted occasionally the animals are found in groups of two or three.

Flying foxes (bats) hanging from trees in the sprawling old Central Jail complex, a common sight till about a year ago has become a thing of the past. The old jail buildings have been razed to the ground and though some of the age-old trees have been left undisturbed following protests by voluntary organisations, the bats no longer inhabit them.

Some species of birds which were common not very long ago, are slowly disappearing. The house sparrows, mynas and vultures fall into this category. The number of kites also seems to be dwindling. The destruction of habitat is forcing wild animals to stray into the nearby human settlements and prey of domestic animals like cattle and goats and sometimes even attack humans.

Restocking

The Indira Zoological Park was set up to cater for the needs of the fauna of the Eastern Ghats. "The objective of the zoo is to breed species which are on the verge of extinction and free them in the areas where they were found in good numbers in the past. This is technically known as restocking," says Zoo Curator B. Vijay Kumar.

RESTOCKING EFFORTS The moat under preparation

Paucity of resources is coming in the way of taking up this activity. Even when adequate funds are available, it would take at least seven years for the success of the re-stocking programme. A study of the animal census, availability of whole prey and availability of a heterogeneous population is important to produce healthy offspring. After the animals are released into their natural habitat, they should be tracked for at least two seasons to know their survival.

Captive breeding

"A huge moat is being developed on the vacant land available near the tiger enclosure to facilitate captive breeding of white tigers. The zoo has one white tiger and another requisitioned from the Hyderabad Zoo for the purpose. Another moat is being developed to house the hyenas, which do not have a proper enclosure now," he says.

Awareness drive

"Top priority is being given to highlight the importance of conservation by conducting awareness programmes. Though boards are displayed at all the enclosures in the zoo giving various features of the animal in the enclosure, only a small fraction of the total visitors are reading them," says Mr. Vijay Kumar. "Efforts are being made to rope in guides who can communicate with visitors in their own language and impress upon them on the need for conservation. This proposal is also marred by the paucity of funds. An appeal is given to the general public and NGO s to extend their services as volunteers especially during Sundays and weekends, when a large number of people throng the zoo."

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