UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

The conservation debate over the black panther cub trapped in Keralam primarily concerned which course of action?

  1. Keeping the cub permanently in a zoological park irrespective of its health
  2. Releasing a healthy animal into the deep forest in accordance with the relevant handling protocol
  3. Transferring the cub to an overseas private wildlife collection
  4. Using the cub as a permanent bait animal for further cage trapping

Answer

Correct Answer

Releasing a healthy animal into the deep forest in accordance with the relevant handling protocol

Explanation

Option B is correct: officials had ordered release into deep forest if the captured animal was healthy, while wildlife enthusiasts opposed shifting the cub permanently to a zoo. Option A ignores the stated release protocol. Option C has no basis in the report. Option D is incompatible with the conservation concern and the animal’s welfare.

Topics: black panther cub release protocol, environment, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife conservation