Since evolution of human beings, we have emerged as
the biggest predators of all time. The industrial revolution triggered
modernity and development across the globe which has both been a boon
(economically) and a bane (environmentally) for humanity. The hunger for
development has led to the loss of precious wildlife. According to a report
released in September 2014 by World
Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), between 1970 and 2010 the
world has lost 52% of wildlife species. With such a huge loss of wildlife
species, there is a direct acceleration of climate change. The reason being,
wildlife is a key component of the existing bio-diversity and such a huge loss
is disrupting the ecological balance eventually changing the environment.
There are key cases which show that re-introduction of
wildlife species can change and sustain the ecosystem. The perfect example is
the re-introduction
of wolves in the Yellowstone National Park in the
United States of America.
Though India only represents 2.4 percent of the world
area but the faunal population accounts for 7.3 percent of the world. This
faunal population boasts of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Rhinoceros,
Asiatic Lion, and Leopard etc. The Western Ghat is the hotspot of biodiversity
in the country. New species of reptiles and amphibians are still being
discovered. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has also helped in the cause of
protecting and supporting the faunal population.
But times are changing. Incessant poaching and
frequent human-wildlife conflict is affecting the population of some of the
prime species. In Assam, the one horned Rhino has been poached for its horn
which according to voodoo belief is supposed to have medicinal qualities.
Similarly, the story of Tiger and Leopard and the tusks of Elephants is another
instance of the illegal trafficking of animal parts for profitable ventures.
In a developing country like India, the frequency of
human-animal conflict is really high. Some of the classic examples can be of leopards
in Guwahati,
Assam; Mumbai,
Maharashtra; Meerut,
Uttar Pradesh. The story of leopards is just an instance
regarding the situation in primary urban cities of the country. The popular
belief is that the wild animals are encroaching upon the human settlements but
the truth is that we have been encroaching upon the animal’s territories. The
instance of leopard is also important because for animals like Tigers and Elephants
which have dedicated protection movements and schemes the leopard has to
protect and sustain itself.
Similarly, not all tigers are safe either. The tigers
who roam in the periphery of the national parks are regularly involved in such
conflicts. The documentary by Krishnendu Bose titled the Forgotten
Tigers shows the plight of such tigers. Uncontrolled
development is ripping up the habitats of the wildlife species which is a huge
factor in the acceleration of climate change. Destruction of habitats also has
affected the migratory birds nesting habits.
Development has only helped the humans but in return
has forced some major wildlife species in the endangered list. Just blaming the
policy makers is not the right approach either since we crave for better roads,
better water supply and better infrastructure. With urbanization already taking
a toll in the human occupied areas, the only remaining areas are the ones that
belong to the faunal population.
Though it is true that human-wildlife conflict is a
global phenomenon but what matters is how one country handles the situation. For
instance, in the case of most human wildlife interactions there are chaos with
people crowding all over the place which only worsens the situation. It is
quite surprising that in a country with billions of people there are so less
such conflicts. More understanding and awareness is required especially for the
people living near the wildlife sanctuaries and parks. A perfect example of
managing human-wildlife conflict can be seen in this particular
case in Sonitpur, Assam where a team of WWF with the local
community didn’t let the situation go out of control. The forest officials have
to do more than collaring the animals. Most importantly the community has to be
involved so that there are no negative sentiments against the animals.
Strengthening the Indian Forest
Act can be a good beginning.
The existence of human beings is directly proportional
to the existence of the flora and the fauna. The sooner we realize it, the
longer we will exist.
