The state of Maharashtra is all geared up to get its first facility to conduct DNA tests on animals later this month.
This move will help officials to retrieve information with regards to animals that are hit by man-wildlife conflict or poaching. Moreover, this centre would be inaugurated at the Nagpur Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). As of now, DNA samples of animals are sent to laboratories in Hyderabad or Dehradun for testing. Annually, around 500 to 600 samples were sent to these two centres from Maharashtra.
According to reports, the decision to choose Nagpur made sense as a variety of conflicts with regards to wildlife happen here. This includes the controversial shooting of tigress Avni in 2018. These DNA testing would also help in generating proof against poachers involved in hunting.
On the other hand, Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo is all geared up to welcome more animals in the next few years as the civic-run zoo is reportedly planning an expansion. Moreover, the Byculla Zoo is set to expand by 10 acres to house several exotic animal species. Those animals will be brought to the zoo in the next few years. Byculla Zoo, officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, is spread over 53 acres. The additional 10 acres have been procured for the third phase of expansion.
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