Ex-situ conservation

Ex-situ conservation is aimed at the conservation of critically endangered and rare species whose population in the wild is alarmingly low that their survival in situ cannot be guaranteed, or ecosystems in which species occurs are so degraded that survival of species becomes doubtful. In Nepal, many species are potentially in danger of going extinct unless they are managed through captive breeding and reintroduced in their natural habitats. As prime examples, several vulture species have drastically reduced in numbers due to diclofenac poisoning and gharial crocodiles have gone through similar episode because of their hunting and overexploitation of aquatic resources. The Government of Nepal sets its priority in restoring wild population of these at-risk species thorough captive breeding centers and have led to success, saving them from the verge of extinction. In this aspect, the Central Zoo is the country's only ex situ conservation facility which also plays an important role in wildlife research and conservation education, exhibiting rare, endemic and exotic species, providing wildlife veterinary care, and serving as the country's foremost center for animal rescue and rehabilitation. Besides managing the Central Zoo, NTNC works closely with the government in managing various conservation breeding centers across the country, some of which include, the Gharial, Vulture and Elephant Breeding Centers.