Sashilemla
Ranger Forest Officer,
Mokokchung Range
Conservation has always been a facet of Human civilization. Man understood the need to conserve the resources around him in order that he may never be in want. The fulfilling of human’s need was never an issue until population started growing exponentially with emerging development plans and resources started dwindling. This started the manipulating pressure on all resources to meet humans’ arching needs.
Amidst the race of ever-increasing resources manipulation, Wild Life has faced the brunt of it. For some, the term ‘Wild Life’ conjure the images of only animals such as elephants, tigers, bears, deers, jungle cats, porcupines, etc. to name a few, while leaving out the plants (vegetation), insects, birds and many organisms that make up and inhabit the wild abode. In the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972- Wild Life includes any animal, aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat. In entirety, wild life would include all organisms along with their habitats that are not under the influence of domestication.
Over the years, across various countries, large tracts of forests and wetlands has been cleared to accommodate the development ideas resulting in changing climatic patterns and wildlife destruction, with the remaining scattered animals venturing into human settlements in search of their resources. When we are presented with such situations, we begin to wonder, “How dare they”? We view it as threat to our existence and livelihood opportunities.
With ‘National Wild Life Week’ going to be observed across the country from 2 Oct- 8 Oct, focusing on this year’s theme “Wild Life Conservation through Coexistence”, it’s desirous of us to find ways and means for wild life to exist alongside humans in mutual balance. The call of the animals, the whistling of the birds, the gurgling sound of the running streams and rivers with aquatic organisms swimming and skipping freely, the breezy air rustling among the tree groves, the rain that drenches the plants and quenches the soil- all these images conjure up when we think of our forests. The harmonious existence of wildlife area along anthropogenic zones does present the image of conservation at its best.
Often in the argument of ‘why should wild life existence matter over human needs’, wildlife loses out and the coexistence idea is blurred. Incidents of intense damages inflicted upon humans and vice-versa tend to put both lives in conflicting opposition. Many Conservationists push across the idea of coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, this is something for which there has to be a wide consciousness among the masses. The responsibility of conservation and coexistence should not lay only with one department or few nature NGOs but on the entire populace. Government and people from every sector must coordinate and cooperate to make better policies and management plans to suit the needs of both wildlife and humans.
In context of Nagaland, people are not new to conservation ideas. Our ancestors reserved various part of their land as conservation areas where no men were allowed to indulge in any activities except the deeds that benefitted wildlife and environment. Different forest zones are demarcated to accommodate the varied needs- be it for firewood, timber, community purposes, etc. Forest firewatchers are engaged in villages to look out for incidental forest fire and to mobilize people in case of such breakouts. Village Councils make and enforce the rules and regulations on banning hunting, tree felling, fishing with chemicals, battery, etc. to protect the conserved areas. As per their activity schedule, community organizes mass social work around their forests areas and maintain it. Such conservation trend has passed down generations and should continue for posterity.
With changing land use and resources over time in our state, it is apt to ask- where are we headed with wildlife conservation? Are we doing enough to preserve and conserve them? Is our land filled with the calls and whistling of wild animals and birds, are our native species thriving? Surely, everyone knows better but we need to put into action to conserve what we now have. In implementing conservation plans, one pressing issue that happens is the issue of human-wildlife conflict. To tackle this, the probable answer lies in approaching coexistence between humans and wildlife in the most humane manner. As much as human life matters so does wild life too matters. They are that which constitutes the ecological balance of nature, which if humans tend to disrupt can bring lives to a halt. Therefore, we need to consider favourable outcome for wildlife as well as humans.
For conservation and coexistence, some of the measures we can act upon are:
1. Focusing on habitat improvement for wildlife- creating conditions to meet the needs of animals like water source, salt licks, planting fodder, native trees, regulate prey and predator populations.
2. Monitoring wildlife population through scientific study and tools.
3. Maintaining the carrying capacity of the habitat.
4. Coordinating with forest department, researchers, nature NGOs to implement conservation actions.
5. Organizing community patrolling squads to check illegal activities; prompt reporting on wildlife conflicts.
6. Raising mass consciousness through seminars and awareness programs on conservation.
7. Alternate livelihood opportunity for people dependent on forest resources.
8. Demarcate zones for human activity and wildlife habitat and minimizing human interference.
9. Maintaining wildlife corridors and connecting widespread habitats from one locality to another.
10. Organize periodical maintenance works by community.
11. Enforce strict wild life laws, frame better policies and management plan both by community and government.
12. Organize youth and children to undertake periodical study tours to make them aware.
Though there’s never a foolproof strategy to execute perfect coexistence with wildlife, nevertheless, we can still hope and try to improve the conditions that are within the capacity & capabilities of human beings. For in bettering the lives of wildlife, we are making our planet well equipped for our survival. To top it all, what beauty can we behold, if we lose the varied creations and the many colours that clothe the splendour of our home, our planet Earth!
