A significant step towards wildlife conservation and management.
Genetic Profiling in Kerala
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is conducting genetic profiling of approximately 400 captive elephants in Kerala. This initiative aims to include their details in a national database, which will serve as an 'Aadhaar card' for captive elephants. The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has completed the DNA fingerprinting and handed over the DNA database and prototypes of Unique Identification Cards to Kerala's Forest Department. This effort is expected to aid in resolving wildlife crime cases related to poaching and illegal trade.
Asian Elephants in India
India boasts the largest and most stable population of Asian elephants, with over 60% of the species' wild population residing within its borders. The Nilgiri landscape holds the world's largest single population of Asian elephants. Additionally, India shelters 20% of the global captive Asian elephant population. The Asian elephant is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, while the African elephant is listed as Vulnerable. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, elephants are included in the Schedule, and they are also listed in Appendix I of CITES. According to the Elephant Census of 2017, Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Established in 1982, the WII is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), located in Dehradun. The institute conducts research in various fields such as Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Forensics, Spatial Modelling, Eco-development, Habitat Ecology, and Climate Change.
This initiative reflects India's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and addressing the challenges faced by wildlife, particularly endangered species like the Asian elephant. The integration of technology in wildlife management, such as genetic profiling, is a forward-thinking approach that enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts.