Tiger Deaths A Sad Plight of A Beleaguered Animal

With the electrocution of a tigress (Jr. Kankati) at Bandhavgarh another critically endangered species loses number. The worse to happen is that she was in custody of  her cubs totally dependent. This would mean a loss of four big cats. Negligence, misfortune, accident whatever is stated the sad story is that no answer has been found to prevent deliberate electrocution by local poachers near the reserves.     

Incidences of ghastly electrocution of this dwindling species is not new yet no solution has been found. The menace continues unabated thanks to burgeoning human population that surrounds reserves in India. Man animal conflict is taking its toll not only in case of big cats but other critically endangered animals as well.  This is a discouraging plight of wildlife conservation in the country.

We have taken over lands after destroying niche habitats in order to survive. This is besides the large number of tracts that are not tilled. Suggestive of bad land use policy unfortunately the issue is not a National imperative. And we continue to overpopulate.  

We talk about human rights even in sensitive regions which have constricted beyond regeneration capability.  We do not justify alternate existence/sustenance in order to preserve if the project does not carry sufficient economic leverage. Wilderness is truly battling survival in India.    

Is conservation a wash off of our guilt?

It could well be because we have not yet inculcated values that accord rights to other life forms. We are shamelessly a human centric society. On one hand we zealously discuss climate change, environment change etc but our actions are diametrically opposed our efforts are sham.  

Not only neglect or disregard for other life forms and nature, our actions, development goals and attitude are totally destructive and devoid of any concern for mother Earth that sustains us. When the rot will be stemmed is anybody's guess.                  

The spiralling downwards of big cat population continues - Panna, Pench, Sariska, Kanha to name some. Numerous tigers are missing - presumed to have been poached.  Although tigers travel a long distance to find new territories this is a rare occurrence. Many such predators vanish due to poaching, habitat destruction, mismanagement, lethargy and inconsideration especially in reserves which are not in the limelight. The vanishing species dies unsung.   

Male tigers rarely switch territories unless until forced to since this may also mean loss of young cubs they have sired. The overtaking male kills them instantly if the female is not able to protect them.  Whence common sense prevails the males do not leave the area they are commanding.   

Recently at Kanha National Park a male tiger in the buffer area was electrocuted, purportedly the wire was stretched to kill small game. The unfortunate tiger walked in. Well who knows! Neglect of small crimes leads to more organised, deadly, and concerted efforts.    

The poachers got away with minor punishment exposing the legal lacunae that exists whence crime against wild animals is concerned. There seems to be a complete lack of political will in giving the vital elements of our ecosystems their due.      

States keep on losing big cats purportedly due to poaching. In spite of all the patrolling and protective measures in place the animal is losing ground. It won't be a surprise if the recent exhilaration of rising numbers turns into deep despondency.     

This is not only a conservation challenge, our pride as a Nation is deeply involved. If we fail or falter we will lose face like never before.  

Saving Indian Wildlife - The Hard Way

If the need arise to kill poachers for heinous wild life crimes in and near our reserves it should be done so without hesitation. A nation that venerates cows should accord equal weight age to other life forms especially those which are highly vulnerable and on the brink of extinction. We are hopeful that our conservation ethos emanating from Vedas will accord more concern for other life forms.      

Recently there was a news in an online magazine criticizing shooting down of poachers in Kaziranga National Park which is acclaimed for Rhino conservation listed as vulnerable in IUCN red list. The species is critically endangered in India with most of its habitat lost to  human expansion and greed.  Rhinos are much wanted target of poachers for the value they carry. Albeit this action is taken by those authorized  as a last recourse but then there are no options left in such circumstances.    

Obviously the author of the report  does not believe in equating lives of other species with human life. She is not to be blamed since very large section of human society holds no reverence for other life forms, and does not value their life and does not  care for their survival on Earth.

Anyway we are least interested in souls lacking authority and genuine concerns raking controversies for sake of personnel gains pointing anomalies in our systems. Activism should be balanced with concern for all.  

This attitude is nothing but encouraging persecution of God's enigmatic creatures desperately making their last stand on a planet of which they are the rightful inheritors as well. 

The blame lies on human domination, a prerogative that is merciless on other life forms The destruction of Earth that is taking place more so in the recent times is due our human centered attitude at the cost of creatures big and small and their living space. One day we will also perish if we do not protect habitats and conserve wildlife with absolute regards.           

I have noticed on may occasions authorities shun action against those involved in wildlife crimes due to fear of local politicians, activist who do not care for our wilderness at all and yes the local thugs active in that region. In absence of protective umbrella from higher authorities lower staff is easily dominated by negative factors described here.  Political interference is at its peak in India, and some in power literally act as fascists. They have to be kept within the limits of their stipulated powers.  

In case of high valued trophies such as rhinos and tigers there is immense incentive to poach as they fetch a large price in the local and International markets. The poachers and smuggles are in total total disregard  of the laws shaped within the constitutional framework. Some of them are well trained and equipped with modern weapons and do not hesitate to kill those responsible for the protection of precious wildlife.  

The laws for protection of wildlife are lacking and provide easy maneuverability in the legal process due to plethora of lacunae and a system corrupt and inefficient. The cases take too long a time to come to a decision. All the factors pointed out here encourage poachers to go about their nefarious activities with impunity. Studying the tiger electrocution incidents at the hands of poachers will be a revelation for those interested in this matter.     

Species are being lost and whence the legal framework fails to punish and prevent it leaves no recourse but to go the hard way. Wildlife crimes lead to a vast network of International mafias which facilitate heinous crimes like terrorism and drug smuggling. If strong measures are not taken with strong will we will lose our environment as well allow loopholes used by the nexus that will be detrimental to our National security. The die is cast save the environment in totality or perish.