(i) Differentiate between wild and domestic animals. (ii) Give an overview of how animals are exploited in…

Question

(i) Differentiate between wild and domestic animals. (ii) Give an overview of how animals are exploited in medical research.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Wild animals live independently in natural ecosystems and are protected for their ecological value, while domestic animals are bred to depend on humans for food, work and companionship. Medical research uses mice, rats, rabbits and primates for drug and vaccine testing, under CPCSEA oversight and the 3Rs.

**Introduction**

Differentiating wild and domestic animals is crucial for biodiversity, rural livelihoods, and ethical considerations in India, especially regarding animal use in medical research. This distinction shapes conservation policies and animal welfare regulations, reflecting the country’s diverse ecological and socio-economic contexts.

**Contrasting Wild and Domestic Animals**

SKETCH: comparison | Wild vs Domestic Animals  
a: Wild Animals  
b: Domestic Animals  
- Natural ecosystems :: Human-controlled environment  
- Wild, self-reliant behaviour :: Tame behaviour shaped by breeding  
- Natural breeding :: Selective breeding by humans  
- Limited human contact :: Dependent on humans  
- Ecological roles, biodiversity :: Economic, agricultural, companionship roles

1. **Habitat and Human Interaction**: Wild animals live and reproduce naturally, maintaining ecosystems, while domestic animals depend on humans for food and breeding, as shown by the Livestock Census⟦1⟧ and Integrated Sample Survey data. Domestic animals are adapted to human-controlled environments and bred for specific purposes like food, labor, or companionship.  
2. **Legal and Economic Roles**: Wild animals receive protection under wildlife laws and programs like ==Project Elephant⟦2⟧==, which safeguards elephant populations and corridors, whereas domestic animals support agriculture and nutrition, with India producing 239.30 million tonnes of milk in 2023-24. Domestic animals contribute significantly to rural livelihoods and the national economy.

**Animal Exploitation in Medical Research**

3. **Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks**: Animal testing is vital for drug safety, governed by CPCSEA guidelines to minimize pain, with anesthesia and humane endpoints used; however, enforcement challenges persist, especially in rural areas. The Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) ensures standards but faces resource and awareness limitations.

**Implementation Challenges in Andhra Pradesh**

5. **Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods**: ==Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture and livestock sectors== face conflicts between economic needs and wildlife habitat protection, including elephant corridors. Expansion of domestic animal farming risks habitat encroachment and human-wildlife conflicts.

**Conclusion**

Strengthening ethical oversight and promoting alternatives are essential for sustainable animal use and welfare. Integrating conservation with livelihood needs and advancing research infrastructure will support humane and responsible animal management.

Model answer

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