Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru, Karnataka has taken up tagging of select species of wild animals under captivity by implanting microchips. At present, microchipping of King Cobras selected for captive breeding is in progress.
- Since most animals of a species look identical, microchipping helps identify them.
- During captive breeding, avoiding in-breeding is important. Implanting microchips helps prevent in-breeding through identification of individuals during breeding.
- A microchip is a tiny electronic device implanted under the subcutaneous layer of skin. Microchips have a separate receiver, which consists of a hand-held scanner. Name of each animal and transponder numbers are recorded in a stud book.
- Pilikula Biological Park is the only one in India to get permission from the Central Zoo Authority for captive breeding of King Cobras.
- The captive breeding project was first sanctioned in 2010-11. They got permission for the second time in 2021-22.
- The captive breeding, or conservative breeding, process comprises creating an artificial condition for mating, gestation and incubation periods, as well as hatching and rearing the neonates till about a year.
