Question : CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

(a) whether rate of reduction of some of wild animals and birds species in the country is quite alarming and likely to affect all life in the eco system;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for such a sharp decline;

(c) Whether the Government proposes to launch new animal protection and conservation programmes like the project Tiger in the country.

(d) If so, the details thereof;

(e) Whether the Government have any plan to develop the existing Zoos/ sanctuaries and start more zoological parks/ bird sanctuaries in the country to protect the fast depleting Zoological wealth of India; and

(f) If so, the details thereof along with allocation of funds for the purpose, State-wise?

THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)

(a) and (b) With the rising human population and increase in the pace of development, decline in the extent of wild habitat and reduction in wild animal population cannot be ruled out. However, specific instance of sharp decline in the population of wild animal species has not come to the notice.

(c) and (d) The funding pattern of the scheme `Development of National Park and Sanctuaries` has been upgraded to provide special protection to SNOW Leopard, Red Panda, Rhino, Sangai Deer, Hangul, Phary`s Leaf Monkey, Musk Deer, Black Buck, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Great Indian Bustard and Marine Turtles.

(e) Government of India provides assistance to the States for the development and management of existing Zoos and sanctuaries in various states of the country.While Government of India encourages setting up of new National Parks and Sanctuaries, the assistance for the zoos for the time being is limited to existing zoos.

(f) - No State-wise allocation is made in the centrally sponsored scheme under wildlife sector. Funds are allocated on the basis of Annual Plan of Operation, for various National Parks, Sanctuaries and zoos, received from the State Governments. However, due consideration is given to the number and extent of wildlife reserves in the sate.