Wildlife and Nature Conservation - Centre for Ecological Sciences

[181] The re-introduction of the lion in the designated protected area of Kunu-Palpurbe expedited on a priority basis. The Chairman of the National Board of Wildlifecould request the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the translocation of lions thathave strayed out of the Gir, to the project site of Kunu-Palpur.[182] Studies be undertaken by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology ofHyderabad to identify the extent of genetic ‘swamping’ occurring in the currentpopulations of wild buffalo and in sample areas in the case of the red jungle fowland wild pig. The studies also need to identify the surviving populations that canbe termed as truly wild and parameters to judge the wild specimens of thesespecies.[183] The same studies should recommend corrective/administrative action to curb thethreat and to retrieve the situation to the extent possible, with special recoveryplans for the wild buffalo and for wild pig in the Andamans.[184] Investigations leading to practical recommendations, be carried out to preventfuture inbreeding between domestic and wild jungle fowl, pig and wild buffalo,specially around protected areas[185] In the interim period, a special effort and plan needs to be undertaken to save thesurviving wild buffalo populations that are apparently least genetically“swamped” and at the same time the most threatened, in Chhattisgarh.[186] The Ministry of Environment and Forests and State Forest Departments developcentres of restoration ecology and to remove exotic species, even from a nationalpark, after thorough investigation. The Ministry of Environment and Forestsshould develop a nodal agency that should look in to this problem and involveecologists, conservation non-government organizations and media.[187] Strict guidelines should be developed for the removal of exotic trees andrestoration of natural habitats. No commercial interest should be involved toremove exotic trees and they could be supplied first to the local people as per theprovisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act. However, the money generated fromthe sale of such timber should go back to the protected area.[188] The following species are candidates for priority intervention by the IndianArmed Forces, Border Security Force Indo-Tibetan Border Police and coastguards. It is recommended that species programmes be initiated in conjunctionwith them for these species:Northern Command - Ladakh: black-necked crane, snow leopard, Tibetan argali,ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan antelope and Tibetan gazelle; Jammu and Kashmir:markhor, hangul, western tragopanEastern Command: clouded leopard, snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetanargali, and takin; Orissa: Oliver Ridley turtleSouthern Command - Gulf of Mannar: Dugong, corals; Lakshadweep:Leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, giant clams and corals; Andaman and146