Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra, a biologist associated with Nandankanan Zoological Park, has been awarded the prestigious Prani Mitra Award 2020 for his contribution towards conservation, research and zoo management.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020
Key-Points
The awards were given in four categories viz. the Outstanding Director / Curator, Outstanding Veterinarian, Outstanding Biologist /Educationist, Outstanding Biologist /Educationist and Outstanding Animal keeper.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was established to oversee the functioning of Indian zoos and complement the wildlife conservation strategies through ex-situ measures.
It recognizes around 160 zoo and rescue centers that enforce global standards in animal housing and welfare.
Over 567 captive animal species (with 114 species under endangered category) with overall 56481 individual animals are currently housed in Indian zoos.