December_2023

Developing simple and creative ways to feed captive animals, especially those kept for captive breeding programs is important because food-based enrichment has a beneficial effect on animal welfare. The red panda, subject of this study, is threatened with extinction and needs support in developing a successful captive breeding program. The Indian captive population of red pandas exhibit stereotypic behaviour, which could impact negatively on species health and hamper captive breeding success.

In this project, we collect and study the floral diversity of the acacia plantations of the area and compare it with the restored forest land taking floral diversity of the native forest of the area as a reference. The objective is to understand the conditions imparted by acacia plantation to its environment and to analyze the effectiveness of its restoration by comparing it with an adjacent native forest.