Focus: GS III: Environment and Ecology
Why in News?
The 39th Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority was held under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
About CZA
- The CZA is the body of the government responsible for oversight of zoos constituted under the section 38A of Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
- Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos have been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992.
- The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.
- Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation.
Objective
To enforce minimum standards and norms for upkeep and healthcare of animals in Indian zoos and to control mushrooming of unplanned and ill-conceived zoos
Functions of Central Zoo Authority
- Specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of the animals kept in zoos.
- Evaluate and assess the functioning of the zoos with respect to the prescribed standards or norms.
- Recognize or derecognize zoos.
- Identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding.
- Provide technical and financial assistance to such zoos which have the potential to attain the desired standard in animal management.
- Regulate the exchange of animals of endangered category listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act among zoos.
- Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is approved by the Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits are issued by the competent authority.
