India’s western tragopan steadied by captive breeding, an interim fix
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department's captive breeding program for the western tragopan has produced over 40 birds, though reintroduction is currently stalled by budget and research gaps.
Background
The western tragopan is a rare Himalayan pheasant with an estimated population of 3,000-9,500 according to the IUCN. The Sarahan Pheasantry in Himachal Pradesh is the site of the current captive breeding initiative.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentWestern tragopan: A rare pheasant species found in the Himalayan region.
- FactIUCN estimate: 3,000-9,500 western tragopans remain in the wild.
- BodyIUCN: International Union for the Conservation of Nature, provides population estimates for the species.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of captive breeding and community-based tourism in the conservation of endangered Himalayan species like the western tragopan.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological bottleneck: Stalled reintroduction due to lack of established protocols and research
- Economic incentive: Community-based tourism as a tool to reduce habitat disturbance
- Fiscal constraint: Budgetary limitations hindering the transition from captive breeding to wild reintroduction
Keywords: Ex-situ conservation · Habitat fragmentation · Community-based tourism · Biodiversity conservation · Species reintroduction
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.