New enclosures approved for Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved new designs for enclosures at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. This decision was made by the CZA's technical committee. The new enclosures will be for leopards, gaurs, and a breeding unit for gaurs, which is important for conservation. Currently, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 12 gaurs, consisting of eight females and four males. A new calf is expected to be born this month. The sanctuary focuses on the ex situ conservation of gaurs, which is the state's animal. This effort is in partnership with Mysuru Zoo, which helps in breeding and possibly exchanging animals internationally. The CZA aims to preserve the genetic diversity of gaurs and help reintroduce them into their natural habitats. The forest department also plans to design enclosures for four additional species, including wild dogs, jungle cats, porcupines, and mouse deer. These projects are expected to start in the next financial year. Moreover, the sanctuary is working on a new visitor entrance plaza. This facility will feature an interpretation centre, restaurants, a lounge, and a surveillance room to improve the visitor experience.