After the frightening and murdering pandemic, we have developed cold feet and long ultra-sensitive ears. In this predicament, we have forgotten that the economy cannot be halted for long irrespective. Yes irrespective of the damage this bugger is doing, things will have to move on - albeit a paradigm will have to set in which will make us and the wildlife less susceptible to the pandemic. And we have enough time! Well nearly!
I have read that some people are interested in the closure of the tiger reserve during this pandemic which seems to cross over a year or more.
I am writing here (as an amateur) to plead for tiger tourism in our reserves. The show must go on!
The news of tigers being affected by coronavirus should not create panic since the conditions are different and so is the country. In the USA there are five thousand big cats in custody many in a private capacity and not part of an institution, such is the nature of policies that the country abides with.
At the most, we should learn how to save tigers from this deadly pandemic from that incidence in captivity. We do have disease diagnostics and treatment centers for wild animals in India.
People who are advocating the closure of National Parks and WLS for tiger tourism are displaying a haphazard and frenzied assessment. There are some points to consider regarding why tourism should be continued in these wildlife havens in India.
- Tourists by regulation have to maintain distance from wild animals, especially tigers during the excursion.
- A large workforce that comprises the management - Rangers, beat guards, vets, officers, and sundry labor will not be stopped from entering the core zones. This aberration would certainly lead to poaching, wood logging, and frequent trespass within the core. Hence nobody will be able to prevent nearness to these animals in the core.
- Human intervention often required will again bring the vets and helpers in close contact with the wild animals.
- In the buffer zones there is no check on human activities, hence chances of big cats and other animals closing up on humans are maximum. Closing tourism in the park will not prevent these incursions.
- Most important we have forgotten the economy of the guides, drivers, and local small businesses. The resorts may not find it feasible to pay the staff they will definitely be reduced to the bare minimum.
This extensive lockdown and the time of reopening of the parks in October 2020 have given us a lot of time to get things in proper order. And our Governments have been very alert and sincere in tackling this malady that would certainly act against harsh economic measures.
The detractors will anyway find out how the wheels of the economy churn in spite of the pandemic. It is simply impossible to halt economic activities for a long time. I am talking about people who survive on daily wages and those with little savings. They will have to gear up to work pandemic or no pandemic. Mind You!
Another factor we have to consider is that people in India are less affected by the pandemic, I mean infected. Secondly, a distancing and preventing mechanism is taking place. And most important tests and diagnoses are in place or increasing substantially in the country. This is the biggest safeguard against the further spread of disease.
I am sure International or inbound arrivals would not be allowed to enter India without confirmation of their status. Those who are found positive whether in their country before going on board, or in India upon entering will not be allowed to enter the parks as well.
Local staff, I believe the forest department would have already tested them. The staff pertaining to a local institution in shops and commerce will have to carry a green certificate having been tested in recent times.
Those who are aware of our ecosystems and understand wilderness know very well how strong the immunity is among wild animals. Tigers and megafauna have immunity far stronger than humans and certainly those surviving in the harsh conditions of the wild World.
I am writing as an amateur naturalist...but we have the right thinkers amongst our wildlife managers and policymakers hence sagacity will prevail.
We must carry on with the show next October Onward!
================================================
Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, and environmental issues.
He also provides SEO and Website Content in English.
Uday Teaches Internet Marketing Classes in his hometown of Jabalpur in the Summer.
He can be contacted at:
pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323
No comments:
Post a Comment