Published: Tuesday, Oct 2, 2012, 17:01 IST
By Smitha R | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA
The state forest
department along with the Gujarat State Bio-Technology Mission (GSBTM)
will soon be setting up a lab for genetic mapping of lions in state. The
lab which was to earlier come up in Junagadh may now come up in
Gandhinagar or even at GEER Foundation.
Interestingly, while genetic mapping of lions is on the priority
list, the lab will eventually also look at the genetic mapping of other
animals as well. It should be noted that genetic mapping of lions was
part of a 2008 lion conservation programme, but has not taken off since
then.
SK Nanda, former principal secretary, forest and environment
said, “The lab is being set up to study the genetic pool diversity of
lions and eventually may cover other animals as well. It will entail an
initial investment of Rs5 crore to Rs6 crore.”
He said that once set up, the facility can also invite experts from outside if the need arises.
Another
official of the forest department said that genetic mapping is part of
the bio-diversity conservation and it happens at three levels. “It is
necessary to study all the three levels – the eco-system, the species
and the genetics levels,” said the official.
An official of GSBTM
said that proposal to set up such a lab was first made by the mission
which was later on accepted by the forest department. “Ensuring genetic
diversity of a species is a must as it means the species will be able to
survive in different environment. The project is likely to cost Rs22
crore spread over a period of five to six years,” said the official.The
official said that initially genetic mapping of lions and panthers will
take place. “The forest department is expected to provide the facility
while GSBTM will help in setting up of the lab and scientific work. It
will be a dedicated institute that will use biotechnology for
conservation of wildlife. Covering a few species alone will not serve
the purpose,” said the official.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_now-a-lab-to-study-genetic-mapping-of-lions_1747967
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