WORLD WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Day is observed on December 4 since 2012. There was a time humans were wildlife, well! not particularly abundant species of primates coexisting with the wealth of other species of the earth. But, as we humans emerged from this situation and became the dominant species, we have attempted to set ourselves apart from other species in the name of civilization. In many respects, with population explosion, this is the root cause of the present-day environmental crisis.
Wildlife conservation is an integral part for creating a sustainable nation. Because the most beautiful gift that God has given to nature is the wild creatures, they embellish the natural beauty by their unique way of existence. Ensuring India remains a thriving, living, breathing place means taking care of everything in it. The loss of a species can lead to changes in the local environment, which can directly affect the nation and its economy.
ALSO READ: Manipur’s Fragile Hills: Lessons From the Noney Tragedy
Wildlife cannot be manufactured. And once it’s gone, it cannot get replenished. This day emphasis us about preserving Earth’s endangered flora and fauna and their survival is in our hand. Today, the most invasive species on earth is the humans, the nature’s most magnificent creatures, causing irreparable damages to the wildlife, pushing it to brink of extinction and causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
We are in an environmental crisis of global-ecological proportions. Human populations are still ascending at an exponential net rate of 3.5 persons per second, the atmosphere is warming up at the rate of 0.76°C per decade, both tropical and temperate rainforests are being cut at alarming rates of 10 Football grounds per minute, and serious pollution is also much prevalent than admitted previously. From the perspective of wildlife, species are being lost almost not on a daily basis but 200 species of plants and animals for every 24 hours -more than 1,000 times the natural rate of extinction.
ALSO READ: Fixing Roads: A Shared Responsibility
Acknowledgement of these problems, however, means that we can find solutions for them, although most solutions require enormous economic aids which may anchor these coherent problems.Wildlife plays an important role in balancing the environment.This is an opportunity to arise the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to the country. The day also reminds us the urgent need to step up, the fight against wildlife crime which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts. The animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value. In a strong ecosystem, if any link in the food chain breaks, it causes ripples far and wide. Over-hunting, fishing and deforestation in this country are all culprits, but none of these are beyond our control.
Wildlife conservation is a management of national and human progress. A symbiotic relationship exists between the forest, forest-dwelling wildlife species, ecosystem services and people. These spaces are not only their economic resources, but also to the cultural and national identities.
The natural wealth of the Indian subcontinent has remained unique, mysterious and fascinating for nature lovers for ages. In Indian philosophy, life in any form is deemed sacred and it is advocated that compassion for all living creatures is essential. The worship of nature in all its different forms is an essential part of our cultural legacy.
India is facing with acute challenges wildlifeconservation of but still trying to protect the critical species and eco-region from many challenges. There is numerous fascinating wildlife in our forests and around. Due to these animals and plants, our environmental balance is preserved intake. Any harm to the wilderness can pose a threat to our entire ecosystem. India’s rich wildlife brings itself with several threats as well. We may not aware of the potential harms caused to the wildlife and nation from various reasons.
Manipur though very rich in wildlife, the region is suffering from the acute environmental degradation threatening to the permanent loss of many of our valuable flora and fauna. Thus, we may not bring back our lost animals but we can at least save our existing remaining endangered friends including the Sangai.
Every nation relies on wildlife and biodiversity for their needs – from food, to fuel, medicines, housing and clothing. To enjoy the benefits and the beauty of nature, we should work together to make our ecosystems to thrive and wildlife to exist innational interest.
It is the need of the hour to be aware about the causes threatening the staggering wildlife. It is also necessary to understand that humans are not the only species that have the right to live on this earth and share her resources. With rapid urbanization, decreasing forest covers, irregular seasonal changes and forest fires not only threatened the nation but our wildlife is also threatened like never before with plaguing to cohabitants such as man-wildlife conflict.
The children and youth are the future of wildlife conservation. They deserve for a future where the humans live in harmony with wildlife that shares the planet with us. In this way we would be able to change the entire human mind towards the wildlife conservation.
Now, it is the time to act and work together to conserve the wildlife and to ensure their survival. Future of wild life conservation depends on the action and values of people. By facilitating a deeper bond between the environment and the mankind, the country’s wildlife can be conserved. We are responsible for the endangerment and extinction of wildlife. If we are united, we can surely conserve our wildlife for protection of the nation.
(The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times. The author is an Environmentalist, presently working as District Forest Officer, Chandel district, Manipur. The author can be reached at nmunall@yahoo.in.)