India’s first wildlife bio-bank at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) is now fully operational. Since its establishment in July 2024, it has collected DNA and tissue samples from 60 animals of 23 species, prioritizing endangered species for conservation efforts.
What is a Wildlife Bio-Bank?
A wildlife bio-bank (or frozen zoo) is a facility that preserves genetic material from animals for conservation and research purposes.
- The bio-bank stores cells, tissues, and reproductive samples of endangered and deceased animals.
- These samples are preserved at cryogenic conditions (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) to ensure long-term storage and maintain genetic diversity.
- It is part of India’s national conservation strategy, established in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- In the future, similar biobanks are planned at the Delhi National Zoo and Nandankanan Zoo (Odisha).
Global Success Stories in Wildlife Conservation
- The concept of wildlife bio-banks has been successfully used globally.
- Species like the American black-footed ferret and the northern one-horned rhino have been revived using preserved DNA and captive breeding programs.
- These success stories indicate the potential of biotechnology and genetic preservation in wildlife conservation.
Significance of the Darjeeling Zoo
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is India’s largest high-altitude zoo, located in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
- It specializes in captive breeding of alpine species, such as:
- Snow leopards
- Himalayan wolves
- Red pandas
- The zoo also houses endangered fauna, including:
- Gorals (Himalayan goat-antelope)
- Siberian tigers
- Rare birds
Importance of Wildlife Bio-Banks in India
- Conservation of Endangered Species: Helps in the preservation of genetic material from rare and endangered species for future restoration efforts.
- Scientific Research: Enables genetic studies, cloning, and artificial breeding programs for wildlife conservation.
- Disaster Recovery: Provides a genetic repository in case of disease outbreaks or habitat destruction leading to species loss.
- Enhancing Captive Breeding: Supports captive breeding programs by ensuring genetic diversity.
Way Forward
- Expanding Biobank Network: More wildlife bio-banks should be established across different ecological regions in India.
- Integration with Advanced Technologies: Use of gene editing (CRISPR), cloning, and AI-driven genetic analysis to enhance conservation efforts.
- International Collaboration: Partnering with global bio-banks and conservation groups for knowledge sharing and genetic exchange programs.
- Public Awareness and Funding: Encouraging government and private sector funding for advanced genetic preservation initiatives.
India’s first wildlife bio-bank marks a significant step toward scientific conservation of endangered species, ensuring their survival for future generations.
