will Indias wildlife survive?

wolverhampton

A friend in the Uk recently saw a documentary regarding Tigers in the wild--the conclusion extinct in less than 10 years apart from in two major areas--the sundarbanns (apparently the tiger is truly feared and reveared by the local people) and siberia.Even recently the tigers of ranthambore have apparently been subject to poaching again--down to 24 individuals or so.
I just dont understand what happened to project Tiger.I used to read of such great successes and now once again the rapid decline has begun --to feed the the chinese lust for Tiger body parts (it coundnt be cows bones oh know)--go figure.
I am amazed that Indians would allow this to happen.In Africa there are major poaching problems but big game in many areas is making a comeback thanks to tourist dollars.India has wonderful wildlife but the tourist infastructure for the major parks seems limited at best.Many more dollars and Euros would flow into India if--
1.There were decent transportation options to get to most of the parks.
2.Luxury lodges and camps were available for the parks(yes I know there are a few options like vanyavillas).But look at the money flowing into Kenya,Tanzania and southern Africa.Many Europeans and Americans not only view the wildlife and beautiful scenery as a must but the lodge or camp is itself a destination.
3.More effort needs to be done to promote Indias wildlife--everyone knows there are Tigers but what about Indias 1500 Rhinos--many people know about the wildlife of africa but do they know India offers---Lions,Tigers,Leopards,bears,el ephants,rhinos and many many other species.Some of you might say yes--I am not so sure.
4.Rangers and guides were paid well for the hard dangerous work they do.
5.No tolerance for poachers the same as many african countries--poachers shot dead on sight just like kenya---yes I know the poor villagers are so poor etc etc--they are just as poor in many parts of Africa.
6.A portion of park proceeds going to the local people who surround the parks so they have a vested interest--a great example of this is the masai in east africa.

If India as a nation does not cry out to its government Indias wildlife will disappear--after all currently there are over 10,000 tigers in private hands in the usa--not good.
Will Indians of the future visit game parks in Texas to get a glimpse of the regal Tiger or visit the san diego zoo to see asian elephants aand rhinos.

I know its easy for me to rant in the comfort of my home from the usa a country that wiped out many of its beautiful native species--heck nearly wiped out its native people.
You know I never understand the nature of philanthropy--many wealthy foundations and individuals around the world donate billions to various charitable causes but when it comes to wildlife when did you last here about massive donations for the support of the worlds wild animals.
Eventually we will be the cause of the extinction of all the earths great beasts as human population explodes everywhere--a very difficult situation.

What do you guys think?

shahronakm

Dear Friend,

Good Article. Thanks for Caring about Indian wildliffe. When you wirte that India has wildlife in abundance & also variety you are very true. Wildlife tourism in India has not developed as such because there is lack of govt. planning. The Indian govt. has still not understood the potential of Wildlife tourism. Although after the Sariska fiasco govt. has started taking active interest in the same but still I think it's long time to Go. Hopefully they wake up before most of the wildlife is extint. The suggestions given by you if implemented could certainly help in preserving wildlife & attracting tourists also.

Bye

wolverhampton

Only Indians will be able to influence their govt in this--does INDIAS PRESS CARE?

PeakXV

The international trade in endangered parts is not just partial to the Tiger. The black bear in North America is also very much endanger and set to head the way of the DoDo bird unless something is done to re-educate and/or disspell the mythical beliefs of the oriental mind. If large money is continued to be offered for animal parts - then there will always be poachers especially if it means one or two kills will set your family financially for a long period. Got to scientifically, medically and I guess spiritually disprove these theories of strength, longivity, etc. from ingestion by a 3-media threat(radio,TV,print) through said countries government avenues.

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We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time.
T.S. Eliot

Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

wolverhampton

Its sad that I recieve two responses regarding this grave issue and 19 responses regarding a question my wife had on toilets on Indian trains--hence the problem do people really care?

PRIYA

I do understand how you feel wolverhampton, but in fairness........how do you fight "city hall"??

Yes, India does have a lot to offer the tourist by way of game viewing, camera safaris etc., but it's the government who has to care enough to save the wildlife as well as educate the general populace of their wildlife heritage.

Putting food on the family table from the funds of a poached animal is only going to encourage more poaching, but hunger wins every time, as is only natural.

Unfortunately animals suffer every day at the hands of poachers and it is an international problem that needs to be addressed by ALL countries. Africa too has a very serious poaching problem but lack of commitment by local governments and corruption at the top, fuel this dreadful trade in animal parts. Only too late will they realize that they are the ones who were responsible when there is nothing left for future generations to enjoy.

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Happiness is for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. (Anon.)

PeakXV

I walked to work the other day and there was a Cardinal (red bird) and a Blue Jay(blue Bird) having a territorial dispute over something. It was quite a squabble and symphony of sound - a spectacle of nature! I was the only one who stopped and took a few minutes to enjoy it. Business men/women were marching by - stern look - seemingly late for whatever engagement they were headed for - school/uni students with MP3 players trapped on their ears or engaged in serious inane conversation.

You can make all the money you want in the world, take all the Yoga classes there are to offer etc. etc., hell even yak your face off about the trials & tribulations of Indian toilets but if everyone took a few minutes out to observe, enjoy and respect nature - we would soon be headed in a more favourable direction!

PRIYA

Right on PeakXV - but remember, you're the winner........they're the losers!!

phobal

They care a lot about hotties....Now if those babes talked about the environment, maybe, they would care.

aadil

Yes, we do care, (atleast I do) but that's not enough to make a dent in the heads of the politicians who run the country!!! The poachers are hands in glove with the park rangers and officials so how will they ever catch them red handed if they are together in the killing game? Sad but very true!!! They will be killed however much you may pay the rangers and forest officials. Even the Prime Minister of India went to see the tigers in Ranthambore and did not see any during his visit!!! Maybe the tigers did not appreciate what little the government is doing to save their lives and habitat from the poachers!!!

Cheers,
Aadil.

__________________
Climb high; climb far;
Your goal, the sky,
Your aim, the stars!!!

wolverhampton

Why did project tiger enjoy so much initial success and now seems to be failing.

PeakXV

Population! Population! Population!

Those Tigers are basically in an open air zoo right now and with human expansion their cage is getting smaller every day!

aadil

Probably not too much being done for the project as the funds are not utilised properly and also the Chinese government does not ban the tiger products in their country so the trade thrives without much of a problem. Many issues with conflicts between the people living on the edge of the forest areas battling it out with the tigers for their survival makes it a survival of the fittest battle. As long as the forest areas are not left only for the tigers there will be a problem always. The only place it is slightly safer than the rest of the country is in the Sunderbans in West Bengal State.

Hope the situation improves soon or else we will not have any tigers left anywhere in India. Not even in the zoo as there are not too many out there too.

Aadil.

cdrake

Only if Indians respect for public property improves.

wildlife conservation itself has hitherto been a collection of private agendas(and public indifference). Erstwhile princes, the logging interests, tour operators, real estate, politicians, the encroaching farmers,competition for water ...etc overwhelm it .

Wildlife needs to compete with all these, and there is no doubt that it is fighting a losing battle(after all, unlike south east asia where forests are plentiful, India is home to the thickest concentration of humanity in the world. )

Add to this the traditional irreverence indians feel for public property..roads, transport, public land , government institutions.. all are subject to an accelerated rate of depreciation through misuse and neglect.

So is forest conservation, although much success was initially found in targetted programs(like tiger) , it remains a small whistle in the wind compared to the larger economic and human forces it compates with.

Maybe india is destined to become a human land and it's forests are doomed to extinction...but maybe not just yet.

cyberbaba

we are still living very much in the dark ages.

i started getting used to the idea that most humans are nothing more than a scourge. myself included.

please let the plague come again. it's the only way.