Perspectives For Population Management Of Felids In Indian Zoos

The family: Felidae (hereafter referred to as felids) is among the commonly represented species in animal collections in Indian zoos. Of the globally recognised 45 species, 15 species (>30%) are housed in Indian zoos. Since 2007, the Central Zoo Authority has laid emphasis on ex situ conservation for seven threatened species by initiating planned breeding programmes. We investigated the demographics of felids housed in Indian zoos using data from CZA annual inventory records. Between 1995-96 and 2019-20, the population of large felids have remained stable with a mean growth rate ({lambda}) of 1.01; whereas the population of small felids have a marginally higher mean growth rate ({lambda}) of 1.03. We further use Sustainability-index analysis to investigate whether the observed growth patterns arise from intrinsic (i.e. births/deaths) or extrinsic (acquisition/disposal) factors. The management of felids in Indian zoos requires careful consideration of many factors including space, hybridisation, lack of pedigree knowledge, addition of wild-rescued specimens and colormorphs. We provide the first insights on how felids populations have fared at the family-level and species-level based on analysis of longitudinal data. The said analysis intends to inform plans to manage felid collections in Indian zoos. It should further present an outlook and also guide ongoing planned breeding programs of felids. Given the relatively large collection size and the corresponding conservation attention accorded to felids, our analysis will aid in setting priorities for collection planning, conservation education messaging, integration of in situ and ex situ efforts in the context of IUCN One Plan Approach.