Sundari, Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Central Zoo Authority
What is the news?
Sundari, the tigress captured following a few incidents of mauling in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve, may not be shifted to the Nandankanan Zoological Park as the Central Zoo Authority has advised against transfer of animals from the wild.
The ambitious tiger reintroduction programme at Satkosia Tiger Reserve had run into controversy after Sundari, which was translocated from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, attacked a man in Satkosia leading to his death. Angry villagers had then vandalised public property demanding shifting of the tigress.
D.N. Singh, member secretary of Central Zoo Authority asked the Odisha government to consider all the pros and cons and arrive at a decision in accordance with the National Zoo Policy.
About Satkosia Tiger Reserve
- Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1976.
- Saktosia Tiger Reserve was designated in 2007 and is located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
- It comprises the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It is located where the Mahanadi River passes through a 22 km long gorge in the Eastern Ghats
- The major plant communities are mixed deciduous forests including Sal (Shorea robusta), and riverine forest.
What is Central Zoo Authority?
- The Central Zoo Authority of India(CZA) is the body of the government of India responsible for oversight of zoos.
- It is an affiliate member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums(WAZA).
- The CZA was formed to bring Indianzoos up to international standards.
- The Central Zoo Authority has been constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.
- Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos has been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992.
- Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation.
Prepared By: Sai Eswar