Overview
This editorial, based on the article “Elephant in the Room” from The Indian Express (04/10/2024), examines the imbalance in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
It highlights the success in protecting tigers while pointing out the neglect faced by elephants, which continue to experience population declines.
The article calls for greater transparency and a science-driven approach to address critical issues such as habitat destruction and human-animal conflict, particularly affecting elephants.
Key Information for Prelims
India’s wildlife conservation initiatives include efforts to protect elephants and mangrove ecosystems, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Nyishi tribe’s traditional hornbill conservation, and India’s commitments to international conventions such as CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
These initiatives also highlight important protected areas like Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and the Western Ghats.
India’s Mixed Wildlife Conservation Record
India’s wildlife conservation record reveals unequal progress across species.
While tigers have benefited from improved monitoring since the 2005 crisis, elephants have not received similar attention.
Changes in methods to estimate elephant populations indicate a significant drop, yet a crucial report on this has reportedly been suppressed, raising questions about the government’s commitment to conservation.
Need for a Holistic Approach
This disparity in conservation strategies reflects broader issues in India’s wildlife management.
The shrinking of elephant habitats due to human activities has led to rising human-wildlife conflicts.
To address these challenges, reliable population data and distribution estimates are essential for effective conservation planning.
The current situation highlights the need for a more inclusive, scientifically informed approach to protecting wildlife, especially species like elephants that coexist with humans in increasingly altered environments.
Importance of Wildlife Conservation for India
1. Preserving Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance
India, one of 17 megadiverse countries, holds approximately 8% of the world’s biodiversity on just 2.4% of the planet’s land. This diversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability, which is essential for human survival.
For example, mangrove ecosystems along India’s coasts provide natural defences against cyclones and tsunamis.
The Zoological Survey of India reported in 2021 that mangroves in the Sundarbans helped mitigate the effects of Cyclone Amphan in 2020.
Forests in India, covering 21.71% of the country’s area (Forest Survey of India, 2021), also serve as carbon sinks, capturing 7,124.6 million tonnes of CO2.
2. Economic Benefits from Sustainable Tourism
Wildlife conservation supports India’s economy by promoting ecotourism.
The wildlife tourism sector is expected to grow at a rate of 7.40% per year through 2034.
Tiger reserves alone generate financial benefits ranging from 8.3 to 17.6 billion annually.
Initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan Scheme have boosted wildlife tourism, creating local jobs and promoting conservation.
3. Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Heritage
Wildlife conservation is closely tied to preserving India’s traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices.
Indigenous communities like the Bishnois of Rajasthan and the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh have long been involved in conservation.
The Nyishi tribe’s traditional practices have helped protect hornbill populations.
4. Climate Change Mitigation
Wildlife conservation plays a vital role in India’s fight against climate change.
Healthy ecosystems act as natural buffers against extreme weather and help sequester carbon.
India’s commitment under its Nationally Determined Contributions includes creating additional carbon sinks, largely dependent on forest and wildlife conservation.
Initiatives like the Green India Mission aim to expand forest cover by 5 million hectares, underscoring the importance of biodiversity in adapting to climate change.
5. Water Security and Watershed Protection
Forests and wildlife habitats play a crucial role in protecting watersheds and regulating water flow.
The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram, recognized as India’s first conservation area under “other effective area-based conservation measures” in 2022, highlights the link between biodiversity conservation and water security, especially in the National Capital Region.
6. Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Potential
India’s rich biodiversity offers vast potential for pharmaceutical discoveries.
Traditional knowledge has contributed to the development of new medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs from the Indian monocled cobra’s venom.
Programs like BIOTECH-KISAN connect biotechnology with conservation and rural development.
7. International Diplomacy and Soft Power
India’s wildlife conservation efforts contribute to its global environmental leadership.
India’s successful tiger conservation program has earned it recognition internationally.
Achievements such as the doubling of tiger populations ahead of the St. Petersburg Declaration deadline enhance its standing in global environmental negotiations.
Films like “The Elephant Whisperers,” which won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Short, underscore the deep connection between Indian culture and wildlife.
Challenges Hindering India’s Wildlife Conservation
1. Inadequate Funding
Although India is a biodiversity hotspot, conservation funding remains insufficient.
The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated Rs 3330.37 crore to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, but this is inadequate for essential needs such as habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict
As human populations expand, conflicts with wildlife intensify, leading to tragic outcomes.
Between 2017 and 2023, human-elephant conflicts led to 2,853 human deaths, peaking at 628 in 2023.
Current government responses often focus on compensation rather than long-term conflict resolution.
3. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Urbanization and infrastructure development have severely fragmented wildlife habitats.
India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, with major projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train exacerbating habitat loss.
4. Poor Implementation of Wildlife Laws
India’s wildlife protection laws are robust, but enforcement is often weak.
Delays in judicial processes and limited coordination among agencies hinder law enforcement.
5. Climate Change
Climate change is reshaping ecosystems, altering species’ migration patterns, and increasing the likelihood of habitat loss.
The Western Ghats are projected to lose 33% of their biodiversity by 2050 due to extreme weather changes.
6. Lack of Community Involvement
Conservation strategies often ignore the needs of local communities living near protected areas, leading to alienation.
Inadequate community involvement has hampered the success of projects like the cheetah reintroduction in Kuno, where promises of local benefits have not been fulfilled.
7. Limited Scientific Research
India’s wildlife research is underfunded, affecting long-term conservation efforts.
The lack of population studies for many lesser-known species further complicates conservation planning.
Strategies to Strengthen Conservation Efforts
1. Increase Funding
Expanding funding mechanisms, such as green bonds and conservation trust funds, would enhance resource availability for wildlife protection.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds should be directed toward conservation projects.
2. Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
State-specific strategies should be developed to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, using methods like early warning systems and physical barriers.
3. Enhance Habitat Connectivity
A National Wildlife Corridor Program could restore critical corridors for species like elephants. This should involve collaboration with local communities.
4. Improve Wildlife Law Enforcement
Advanced technology like AI-powered anti-poaching systems should be deployed, while forest staff should undergo regular training.
5. Climate Adaptation in Conservation
Conservation strategies should integrate climate adaptation, promoting resilience in ecosystems and buffer zones.
6. Community Engagement
Conservation models should be designed to directly benefit local communities, fostering greater involvement and long-term success.
7. Promote Research and Monitoring
Establishing a dedicated Wildlife Research Fund would support long-term studies, while geospatial technology could enhance corridor monitoring.
Conclusion
India’s wildlife conservation efforts require urgent reforms to address funding, community involvement, and habitat protection. Adopting a more equitable, science-based approach will help ensure the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Explore our Books: https://apnipathshala.com/product-category/books/
Explore Our test Series: https://tests.apnipathshala.com/
