Wildlife Conservation means protection of all the living creatures inhabiting their natural habitats on the blue planet, earth. It is not a new concept but gains momentum due to the changing conditions on the planet owing to ever soaring number of humans on earth. Man by his misdeeds and greeds has changed the whole ecological balance of the natural world. The delicate web of life has been disturbed by actions like illegal felling of forests, polluting the water sources, changing the pattern of climatic phenomenon’s by pumping harmful gases in the atmosphere ,by excessive hunting of animals and in other numerous and shocking manners. No thought is ever given to the fact that we have only one planet and if we destroy this land, where our future generations would go?. Recent devastation’s by Tsunami in Japan is an indication of what nature can do in retaliation.
In the current scenario, wildlife conservation is an indispensable part of the strategy of humanity to survive. It is not a luxury created by western scientists but a hard reality confronting us, humans. The rate of loss of biodiversity has been alarming with countless species getting extinct without being recognized. Its value for humanity is lost forever. So, wildlife conservation must be taken seriously as if we take sincere and collective action on this planet then nature will reward us. Nature is able to regenerate once left undisturbed. This fact is proved by so many experiences in various parts of the planet. So, leave natural world undisturbed.
Wildlife Conservation in India
India is one of the richest land in terms of biodiversity. Every nook and corner of the country is teeming with distinct flora and fauna. In India, all living beings are respected and protected since ancient times. A unique system of wildlife conservation was prevalent in India as different animals were shown as carriers of different gods. Like, tiger was linked with goddess of power, mother Durga, elephant and rats with lord Ganesha and many more. This was not a co-incidence but a thoughtful action on the part of hindu sages. Even some Indian kings created separate forests which later on became national parks in independent India. First legal action was taken by late Indira Gandhi who enacted the Wildlife conservation Act in 1972 and banned all kinds of hunting. She launched a first-of-its-kind project to save tigers in 1973 as project tiger. Since then India has made several endeavors in the direction of wildlife conservation.
Present Scenario in India
India is in a very precarious situation. The ever-soaring humanity, the needs of infrastructural development to support the economy, ever-dwindling natural habitats, and unmindful developments in certain areas has put enormous pressure. It is getting tough to enforce wildlife conservation as almost all parts of the country are facing severe man-animal conflict ending against animals. Retaliatory killings of animals like leopards, tigers or elephants is a common occurrence and now our collective conscience is dead. The majority of India’s wildlife like tigers, elephants leopards, wild dogs, countless species of deer, rhinos, a huge number of birds are on the verge of extinction. The scenario is disturbing but efforts at different levels are making the existence of these species possible right now. Serious national efforts are must if we want to save wildlife. Remember, this is not a luxury but a sine qua none if humanity wish to survive on this planet and also forward our natural inheritance to posterity.
Threats to Wildlife
Pollution and climatic change
Destruction of habitats
Ever soaring human population
Illegal wildlife trade
Hunting for meat and other parts
Non-enforcement of legal protective measures for animals
Un-sustainable development
Unmindful tourism
Human greeds