INITIATIVE TO PRESERVE ENDANGERED SPECIES

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The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science and Technology has embarked on an ambitious programme for the preservation of endangered species. For this, the DBT in association with the Zoo Authority of India has established a Facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.

The genetic variability of lions, tigers and leopards has been assessed through DNA finger printing and analysis of chromosomes, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA, Micro-satellites and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, using blood samples. A method of DNA isolation from scat and hair samples has also been standardised. Such non-invasive methods are of great importance in studying genetic variation in endangered species. Semen from lion, tiger, leopard, hyena, wolf and deer has been collected by electro-ejaculation. Studies have also been carried out to cryopreserve the semen of the big cats and to evaluate their fertilising ability under in vitro conditions. Ovulation has been induced by the administration of exogenous gonadotrophins in 70 percent of lions and leopards. Artificial insemination in lions and leopards has been tried by non-surgical trans-cervical approach.

The Annual Report of the Department for 2002-03 also says that the CCMB has standardised a protocol for intra-vaginal insemination of Cheetal Deer as a model system to undertake similar inseminations in the highly endangered musk deer, brow antler deer and swamp deer. A calf was born after 190 days of gestation but it died after birth. However, there are indications that a few more deer are pregnant. Notably this has been achieved for the first time in India and one more place in the world, the report adds.