Assessing the contribution of Indian zoos to achieving international biodiversity conservation goals

Zoos, are increasingly recognized as strategic actors in global biodiversity conservation, particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity. As centers of conservation, education and public engagement, zoos are uniquely positioned to contribute to species conservation (Targets 2, 4, and 13), free-ranging biodiversity (Target 3), climate resilience through plant diversity (Target 8), urban biodiversity via green spaces (Target 12), and biodiversity education and awareness (Target 16). This study evaluates the role of 23 Indian zoos recognized by the Central Zoo Authority, testing empirically grounded hypotheses that link institutional characteristics such as zoo size, designated green area, captive species diversity, and visitor numbers with their contribution to biodiversity outcomes. Drawing from urban ecology, conservation biology, and education theory, supported by spatial and statistical analyses., the study highlights the potential of Indian zoos to serve not only as custodians of captive fauna but also as active players in habitat restoration, public sensitization, and green space enhancement. Key findings include a significant association between conservation breeding programs and the protection of threatened species, a positive correlation between green space and free-ranging mammal and bird richness, and a moderate link between visitor engagement and biodiversity education. These results offer valuable insights for policy alignment, strategic conservation planning, and the reimagining of zoos as urban ecological infrastructure.. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of integrating zoos into national and state biodiversity action plans, positioning them as vital nodes in a broader conservation network that bridges ex situ stewardship, public education, and nature-based urban development.