Wildlife World Zoo

Image by tacit requiem (pasulpot-sulpot, pasilip-silip) via Flickr

Numerous species of wildlife including those belonging to the plant and the animal kingdom are now on the brink of extinction. Man has only himself to blame for this sad state of affairs. Through his negligence, he has allowed many species of wildlife to perish or disappear into oblivion.

To protect wildlife, the practice in the past has always been to hold numerous conventions, conferences and workshops. But, as shown by experiences, mere lip services is simply not enough. Attitudes have to change. We are no longer concerned about the lack of awareness. The focus, today, has shifted from a lack of awareness to lack of concern. Today, we are all aware of the dangerous effects of over-hunting and pollution on the once-upon-a-time rich tapestry of animal and plants species and yet we prefer to remain mom to environmental issues. What is of real concern today is how to initiate a positive change in people’s attitudes towards wildlife.

The situation calls for measures that are more drastic. These should be a total ban on hunting in designated areas where animal species are being threatened. The approval of firearms licences should be done with utmost care. More often than not, bloodthirsty hunters to legitimize their hunt procure hunting licences. There should also be a ban on the sale of wildlife meat and other animal products.

While one cannot deny that stiffer penalties would be an effective deterrent, bringing the culprits to book is not an easy task. There should be constant surveillance and patrols by forest rangers to nab culprits who hunt without gun licences or those who abuse them. Wildlife Department staff should conduct frequent checks on restaurants to ensure that wildlife meat does not end up in the cooking pots, to be served as delicacies to costumers. Less demand for wildlife meat would discourage hunting for them. Logging activities and clearing of land for development should be supervised so that they are only confined to the allotted areas. Care must be taken to cause minimal damage to the fragile environment in these areas.

Of course, it is difficult to expect an overnight change in the minds of the masses. But it must begin somewhere and with someone. That will start the ball rolling. It is not wise when we will take all the disadvantage of what we have done to our world especially to our wildlife kingdome.