Asiatic lions second gene pool to come up at Barda sanctuary

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar is all set to house Asiatic lions by the end of this monsoon when at least eight big cats will be shifted there to develop a captive gene pool.

The Rs 2-crore project is part of a long-term lion conservation plan that includes developing two captive gene pools and a laboratory to develop genetic diversity for the species found only in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh.

The move assumes significance as the population of Asiatic lions is confined to GWS,and any natural or man-made disaster might wipe out the entire sub-species. As per the latest census,there are 410-odd lions in GWS and surrounding areas.

The (big) cats will be kept here in a semi-captive condition. The objective is to build a gene pool that will facilitate research on the little known genetic aspects of Asiatic Lion, said Principal Conservator of Forest Pradeep Khanna.

Officials close to the development said a herbivores breeding project is already underway at the Barda sanctuary spread over 192 sq km to cultivate prey base for the big cats.

Also,work is on to develop a full-fledged laboratory,with the help of Biotechnology Mission,to preserve DNA,sperm eggs and tissues,and study various related aspects.

Ramparda,a forest area at Wankaner in Rajkot district,is already being developed as a captive gene pool for the last one year. Here,four pairs of the beast have been shifted and their genetic profiling is underway.

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