In an effort to conserve and preserve rare and endangered species of flora and fauna in the Papikondalu wildlife sanctuary, forest authorities will establish a bio-diversity lab and develop the sanctuary at a cost of Rs 36 lakh under a centrally-sponsored scheme in East Godavari shortly. The sanctuary has several species of carnivores like panthers and tigers and herbivores like bisons, spotted deers, gaurs, sambars, wild boars, wild dogs, sloth bears, striped hyenas, wolves, foxes, hares, Indian giant squirrels, peacocks, as also several varieties of birds, insects and reptiles. The sanctuary also harbours as many as 14 varieties of species of flora including grasses, creepers and climbers. Forest authorities intend to take up a study in the sanctuary on the development, growth, extinction and origin of any new species of flora. They have sent proposals worth Rs 36 lakh for the development of a bio-diversity lab and also for development of the sanctuary under a centrally-sponsored scheme to the Centre in the current fiscal and sanction of money is awaited to execute the works. A lab already exists in the Diwancheruvu reserve forest area. A building has been constructed and needs to be equipped with the requisite infrastructure. The sanctuary is also going to be developed by taking up construction of check dams, water storage facilities, developing grass and other activities for the benefit of animals. Divisional forest officer (wildlife management), Mr K. Govinda Rao said, "The bio-diversity lab will help us preserve and conserve rare species of flora and fauna besides helping us to initiate studies on their development for the benefit of future generations."