Understanding the Role of Biodiversity Conservation and Awareness among the Visitors of National Zoological Park, Delhi, India: With special reference to Species under Conservation Breeding Programme
Pratyansha Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Delhi, India
South Asia
Today, zoological parks are modified themselves from earlier menageries. Zoos often brag their novel goals i.e., education, conservation, research, and recreation to change public perspective towards their practices. They play vital role in biodiversity conservation by educating zoo visitors about importance of various species meant for maintaining balance of the ecosystem. This study focuses on finding how much visitors were actually aware and concerned about conserving biodiversity; specially focused on species under Conservation Breeding Programme in National Zoological Park. Data collection has been done through questionnaire survey and unstructured interviews of 750 respondents from the period of May 2019 to October 2019. Descriptive statistics was applied and results regarding behaviour of visitors were interpreted in the form of summarized tables, graphs and charts. The involvement of visitors in various educational activities and outreach programmes conducted by the zoo were also been taken into account. Analysis of gap areas has been made and recommendations were also been given to the zoo authorities, along with voluntary participation of the author, to raise the visitors’ concerns towards the importance of conserving species through educational programmes, spreading scientific information and by enhancement of their knowledge.
After COVID 19 Pandemic, I would further extend this study to the other zoos of India as well in order to find out behavior of visitors towards ex situ conservation and management. Also, would encourage them to think more scientifically towards protection of captive beings in a more sustainable way by actively spreading erudite education and awareness among them."
Pratyansha Singh is a full time research scholar from Delhi, India. She has been working in the field of captive wildlife management and conservation. She has developed her interest in ex situ management while devoting her 7 years in this regard. She has completed her M. Phil., Post-graduation, Postgraduate Diploma, Graduation, and Certificate courses from Recognised Indian Universities. She has also worked on a manual regarding morphometric identification of feces and pug/hoof marks in the Central Zoo Authority, India. She is an active learner, full of enthusiasm and very passionate about wildlife protection, conservation, and education inside captive environment.
Speaker Biography
Pratyansha Singh is a full time research scholar from Delhi, India. She has been working in the field of captive wildlife management and conservation. She has developed her interest in ex situ management while devoting her 7 years in this regard. She has completed her M. Phil., Post-graduation, postgraduate diploma, graduation and certificate courses from Recognised Indian universities. She has also worked on a manual regarding morphometric identification of feces and pug/hoof marks in the Central Zoo Authority, India. She is an active learner, full of enthusiasm and very passionate about wildlife protection, conservation, and education inside captive environment.