Asiatic Lions infected with SARS-COV2
Source : PIB
GS II : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why in News ?
On the 24th April 2021 with an abundance of caution (NZP) Hyderabad shared samples (as collected from nose, throat and respiratory tract under anaesthesia) with CCMB-LaCONES for eight Asiatic lions housed in the Zoo that had showed signs of respiratory distress.
- It has now been confirmed that eight Asiatic lions housed in Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), Hyderabad have tested positive for SARS-CoV2 virus.
Key Facts
- The samples have revealed that the infection was not caused by any variant of concern.
- The monitoring and guidelines for prevention, sample collection, detection in suspected cases, and safety protocols for animal keepers etc have been suggested to zoos in consultation with scientific agencies.
- There is no factual evidence that animals can transmit the disease to humans any further.
About Asiatic lions
- Asiatic lion is a Panthera leo leo population surviving today only in India having inhabited much of Western Asia and the Middle East.
- Its range is restricted to Gir National Park and the surrounding areas in the Indian state of Gujarat.
- It occurred in Saudi Arabia,[6][7] eastern Turkey, Iran, Mesopotamia, Pakistan, and from east of the Indus River to Bengal and the Narmada River in Central India.[8]
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List, it is listed under its former scientific name Panthera leo persica as Endangered.3
- It was included on CITES Appendix I, and is fully protected in India.
- Reason for decline
- There are indications of poaching incidents in recent years.
- Vulnerable to large forest fire.
- Expansion of Agriculture land.
Nehru Zoological Park
- Zoo located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
- The Park is run by forest department, Government of Telangana.
- Zoo has indigenous animals like the Indian rhino, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, panther, gaur, Indian elephant, slender loris and python.
- The zoo is running an adoption program under which people and corporates can adopt an animal or entire enclosure, paying money for their upkeep.
Daily Current Affairs : Click Here
[…] Asiatic Lions infected with SARS-COV2 […]