In a significant development for wildlife conservation, a lion-tailed macaque, an endangered primate species, has been born at the Chamundi Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for Wild Animals on the outskirts of Mysuru. This centre, operated by the renowned Mysuru Zoo, has been identified as a key participant in the Central Zoo Authority’s (CZA) conservation breeding programme for the lion-tailed macaque (LTM), a species facing severe threats in the wild.

The birth of this young macaque marks a milestone in the conservation efforts, as it is the first offspring produced under the newly launched breeding programme. The initiative aims to address the dwindling population of the lion-tailed macaque, which is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss. The Mysuru Zoo, alongside the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, has been playing a crucial role in this project, with the latter serving as the coordinating zoo.

Lion-tailed macaques are native to the Western Ghats, spanning the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Their numbers in the wild have been rapidly declining, primarily due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The recent birth at the Mysuru Zoo’s rescue centre offers a glimmer of hope for the species’ survival. The primary goal of the conservation breeding programme is to bolster the captive population of these primates and eventually reintroduce them into their natural habitats, following stringent protocols.

The Executive Director of Mysuru Zoo has confirmed the healthy status of the newborn macaque, emphasizing the importance of this achievement. The successful birth of this young macaque is seen as a testament to the zoo’s expertise in conservation breeding and its ongoing commitment to preserving endangered species. This event is particularly significant given the current plight of the lion-tailed macaque, which has been experiencing a drastic reduction in its wild population.

In addition to the lion-tailed macaque, the Mysuru Zoo is also engaged in the conservation breeding of several other endangered species, including the Indian Gaur, Grey Wolf, Wild Dog, Grey Jungle Fowl, and Giant Squirrel. The zoo has been involved in these conservation efforts for many years and is known for its successful breeding programmes for a range of species, including giraffes. The recent birth of the macaque further underscores the zoo’s capabilities and dedication to wildlife conservation.

The Central Zoo Authority’s conservation breeding project encompasses 73 critically endangered species across various Indian zoos. The CZA has meticulously assigned roles to different zoos based on their expertise in animal management and captive breeding. These roles are divided between coordinating zoos, which oversee the breeding programmes, and participating zoos, which contribute to the efforts. Mysuru Zoo has been designated as a participating zoo for the lion-tailed macaque and a coordinating zoo for the Indian Gaur breeding programme.

The Mysuru Zoo’s conservation breeding initiatives are not limited to primates and large mammals. The zoo’s commitment extends to a diverse array of species, highlighting its role as a pivotal player in India’s wildlife conservation landscape. The zoo’s rescue and rehabilitation centre at Koorgalli serves as a central hub for these breeding programmes, supported by other institutions such as Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai and Bondla Zoo in Goa.

The broader objective of the CZA’s conservation breeding programme is to sustain and increase the population of endangered species both in captivity and in the wild. By focusing on species with rapidly declining numbers, the programme aims to create a robust population of these animals that can eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitats. The recent success with the lion-tailed macaque is a promising step towards achieving these goals and ensuring the survival of one of India’s most endangered primate species.

The birth of the lion-tailed macaque at the Mysuru Zoo is a hopeful development in the ongoing battle to conserve endangered species. As the project progresses, it is anticipated that similar successes will continue to emerge, contributing to the preservation of India’s rich and diverse wildlife heritage.