ArticleWildlife Rehabilitation Exploring India’s Wildlife Beyond Tigers by In-house Editor January 3, 2024 written by In-house Editor Being a charismatic animal, tigers have been essential in influencing the way that modern Indians feel about protecting wildlife and biodiversity. Similar to population growth and the country’s GDP, the number of tigers is regularly tracked. Tiger populations have rebounded and other species that share their habitat have been conserved as a result, but this has also overshadowed the pressing need to save India’s other threatened species and biodiversity. The substantial financing, protection, and research devoted to Project Tiger—which includes frequent evaluations of tiger and prey populations—makes it clear how important tiger conservation is. Unfortunately, many other endangered species that do not live in tiger territory have not received enough conservation attention as a result of this focus. For instance, with little funding and attention, the Great Indian Bustard, Jerdon’s courser, hill mynas, and Hoolock gibbons are in risk of going extinct. Sadly, court action and popular support are frequently saved for high-profile instances involving charismatic animals like tigers. Other, lesser-known species and animals engaged in conflicts with humans and nature do not receive the same level of advocacy or legal protection. The significance of protecting a wide variety of species is overlooked by this narrow environmental action. The importance of keystone species, such as specific birds that are essential to the regeneration of forests, is emphasized by ecological research. Neglecting these species can have a significant impact on the balance and health of the ecosystem. The biodiversity of India is seriously threatened by the extinction of rare, endemic species. The COVID-19 pandemic and locust pest outbreaks in Africa are two recent incidents that have brought to light the interdependence of ecological health, human well-being, and biodiversity. Deforestation and biodiversity loss are major causes of environmental crises and zoonotic illnesses. However, India still sees forests being diverted for non-forest uses and virgin rainforests in the Nicobar Islands being planned for destruction. Government budgets for environmental conservation, apart from tiger-related initiatives like the reintroduction of cheetahs, have dwindled. Research funds for forest and wildlife institutions have also faced cutbacks, hindering critical scientific efforts. Educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and activism. However, many focus solely on celebrating World Tiger Day, diverting attention away from the broader array of ecosystems and species that require urgent conservation efforts. India’s rich biodiversity extends beyond tiger reserves, encompassing water bodies, rivers, deltas, grasslands, savannas, alpine pastures, and deserts. To safeguard this biodiversity and avoid collapse, it is imperative that environmental activism transcends the allure of the striped big cat. January 3, 2024 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Wildlife ProtectionWildlife Research Preserving Nature’s Wonders: The Designation of National Parks and Monuments by In-house Editor November 21, 2023 written by In-house Editor The establishment of national parks and monuments is a crucial process that enables a nation to protect and preserve its natural and cultural heritage for future generations. In this article, we will delve into the detailed process of how these exceptional sites are designated, the significance of these designations, and the role they play in safeguarding the world’s natural and cultural treasures. The Significance of National Parks and Monuments: National parks and monuments serve as custodians of a nation’s natural, cultural, and historical treasures. They are places of immense beauty, ecological importance, and cultural significance. These protected areas are not only showcases of biodiversity and cultural heritage but also play a vital role in environmental conservation, education, and tourism. The Designation Process: The process of designating national parks and monuments is a meticulous one that involves several key steps: 1. Proposal and Feasibility Study: The journey typically begins with a proposal to designate a specific area as a national park or monument. This proposal can come from various sources, including government agencies, environmental organizations, or concerned citizens. A feasibility study is often conducted to assess the ecological, historical, and cultural value of the proposed area. 2. Legislative Action: In many countries, the formal designation of a national park or monument requires legislative action. This means that the proposal must pass through the legislative process, which may involve hearings, debates, and votes by the country’s lawmakers. The legislative body must approve the designation, often through the passage of an act or bill. 3. Presidential or Governmental Proclamation: In some countries, the head of state, such as the President, plays a role in the designation process. Once the legislative body approves the proposal, the head of state may issue a proclamation formally designating the area as a national park or monument. 4. Land Acquisition or Transfer: The next step often involves acquiring the land or transferring its management to the designated agency responsible for its protection and preservation. This may include negotiations with private landowners, government agencies, or indigenous communities. 5. Management and Regulations: Upon designation, the national park or monument is placed under the management of an authorized agency, such as a national parks authority. Management plans are developed to ensure the area’s protection, conservation, and sustainable use. Regulations and guidelines are established to govern activities within the park or monument, balancing the needs of conservation with those of recreation and education. 6. Public Awareness and Education: National parks and monuments are not just about preservation; they also serve as centers for education and public awareness. Visitor centers, interpretive programs, and educational initiatives are developed to inform the public about the area’s natural or cultural significance and the need for conservation. 7. Conservation and Stewardship: Conservation is at the heart of national park and monument management. These areas serve as refuges for endangered species, ecosystems, and culturally significant sites. Conservation efforts may involve habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and archaeological preservation. The Role of International Bodies: In addition to national designations, international bodies like UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) play a crucial role in designating and protecting globally significant sites. UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites program, for instance, recognizes and conserves natural and cultural sites of outstanding value to humanity. Conclusion: The designation of national parks and monuments is a meticulous process that underscores the value of preserving our natural and cultural heritage. These protected areas serve as living classrooms, biodiversity strongholds, and historical archives, ensuring that the wonders of our world are safeguarded for generations to come. Whether through legislative action, presidential proclamation, or international recognition, the process of designation reflects a collective commitment to cherishing and preserving the Earth’s most exceptional places. November 21, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
ArticleDestinations Wild India: Exploring the Top 10 Private Zoos Established Over the Years by In-house Editor November 6, 2023 written by In-house Editor India is a land of incredible biodiversity, home to a rich tapestry of wildlife that includes rare and exotic species. While government-run zoos are well-known, private zoos have also emerged as significant contributors to wildlife conservation and education. In this article, we take you on a virtual tour of the top 10 private zoos in India, where you can witness an array of captivating creatures up close. 1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The Vandalur Zoo, occasionally referred to as Arignar Anna Zoological Park (abbreviated AAZP), is a zoological garden situated in Vandalur.It is the first public zoo in India, having opened its doors in 1855. It is connected to India’s Central Zoo Authority.(8) The park is the biggest zoological park in India, spanning 602 hectares (1,490 acres) with the inclusion of a 92.45-hectare (228.4-acre) rescue and rehabilitation center. 2. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, Gujarat: The 84-hectare (210-acre) Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, commonly called Sakkarbaug Zoo or Junagadh Zoo, is located in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. It was established in 1863. For the critically endangered species, the zoo supplies purebred Asiatic lions for the Indian and worldwide endangered species captive breeding program. Asiatic lions roaming freely in the wild have become extinct in much of the continent and are now restricted to the Gir Forest, which is close. 3. Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kolkata, West Bengal: The Zoological Garden, Alipore (also known as the Alipore Zoo or Kolkata Zoo) is India’s oldest legally designated zoological park and a popular tourist destination in Kolkata, West Bengal. It has been operating as a zoo since 1876 and spans 18.811 hectares (46.48 acres). It is arguably most known as the home of the Aldabra giant tortoise Adwaita, who died in 2006 at the age of over 250 years.. 4. Mysore Zoo, Mysuru, Karnataka: Officially named as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo (also known as Mysuru Zoo) was established in 1892 from the private menagerie of Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the twenty-third Maharaja of Mysore. It is a combination of an animal park and zoological gardens that may be found in Mysore, Karnataka, in southern India. It is the oldest zoo in India and among the oldest in the world, spanning 157 acres.With more than 168 species, it’s one of the most well-liked zoos in India and a top tourist destination in the city. 5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal: The 67.56-acre (27.3 hectare) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, better known as the Darjeeling Zoo, is located in the Indian state of West Bengal’s town of Darjeeling. The year 1958 saw the opening of the zoo.It boasts effective captive breeding operations for the red panda, snow leopard, and endangered Himalayan wolf. It specializes in rearing species adapted to alpine circumstances. Each year, over 300,000 people visit the zoo. The park bears the name Padmaja Naidu (1900–1975), Sarojini Naidu’s daughter. 6. Nehru Zoological Park, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park was officially opened to the public on October 6, 1963 named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, which is managed by the Telangana government’s forest department.The 600-acre Mir Alam Tank is next to the 380-acre (150 ha) zoo. The zoo is home to around 100 different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Native creatures including the Indian rhino, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, panther, gaur, Indian elephant, slender loris, and python are among them, along with deer, antelopes, and birds. 7. Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka: Bengaluru is home to the zoological garden known as Bannerghatta Biological Park, also referred to as the Bannerghatta Zoo. When it first opened in 1974, Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) had a small zoo and picnic area. 2002 saw the division of the National Park and the Biological Park. With a total area of 731.88 hectares, the Bannerghatta Biological Park is home to a zoo, safari park, butterfly park, and rescue center. 8. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Situated in Tamil Nadu, to the south of Chennai, lies the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT), a herpetological research station and reptile zoo. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the center is recognized as both a zoo and a registered trust. It is governed by the Central Zoo Authority, which is part of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India. It was founded in 1976 with the intention of protecting three threatened Indian crocodile species: the gharial, the saltwater crocodile, and the marsh or mugger crocodile, all of which were on the verge of extinction at the time the trust was founded. 9. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The zoological park bears Indira Gandhi’s name, the former Indian prime minister. On May 19, 1977, it was proclaimed publically accessible. It occupies 625 acres (253 hectares) of land. There are over eight hundred animals at the zoo, representing nearly eighty different species. 10. Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, there is a 437-hectare (1,080-acre) zoo and botanical park called Nandankanan Zoological Park. It was initially opened to the public in 1979 after being founded in 1960, and in 2009 it became the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). In addition, a portion of the botanical garden has been designated as a sanctuary. Literally translated, Nandankanan means “The Garden of Heaven.” Conclusion Private zoos in India not only provide a platform for wildlife enthusiasts to witness these incredible creatures but also actively engage in conservation efforts, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. Each of these zoos offers a unique experience, and a visit to any of them is not only an opportunity to see wildlife up close but also to support vital conservation initiatives. Discover Wildlife Tourism is thrilled to introduce the forthcoming Wildlife Tourism Conclave and Awards in January 2024. We extend our warm invitation for you to engage with us on our various platforms, participate in discussions, and keep abreast of the latest event developments. Be an essential part of our Conclave! November 6, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
