thoughts of an ex poacher

[Vikram Nanjappa]

There is a very simple formula to save wildlife.
Strict policing and effective implementation of existing laws. The challenge is to find the political and administrative will to do it.

I have lived my entire adult life in and around wilderness areas .I also interact and live among what is called the "local people" and after half a lifetime have come to the conclusion that protection is the only way out. The "local people" are Indian Society which is divided, fragmented by caste , class , economics ,religion and are not a single homogeneous lot. There will always be groups , sections - in some areas representing a majority and in some areas a minority - that will be against Parks. Without protection there will be no wildlife left.

At the same time I do realise that we have to work towards educating , raising awarness etc among them. But we will be foolish if we think that this will work in isolation.

The need of the hour is protection and wildlife will survive only as long as protection levels are high.