Neil,
I agree with your point. Our wildlife tourism is more tiger centric. Infact, it is heavily focussed on our mega fauna - the Tiger, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Gaur. In the forests of South India, it is relatively easier to sight an Elephant or Gaur, so people don't get excited about them. In Corbett Elephant is easier than the tiger.

I won't blame people for this. It is the failure of those involved in our wildlife tourism. The tour operator is out to make money, despite the tall claims. No one is going to educate people about the importance of watching a rare behaviour than just running your jeep all over the forest in search of a tiger. In Parambikulam, I was photographing a Gaur calf suclking milk from its mother. The road there is very narrow. A forest department tourist vehicle came and asked me to give it space. They were not too excited with the sight of a Gaur nursing its calf. I had to move ahead about 30 feet so that the vehicle can overtake. It is the failure to teach people, to explain the behaviour and interpret the sights and sounds in nature. Unfortunately, all the talk of ecotourism means nothing, as they are only money spinning machines. If we educate people, then this feeling of disappointment can be tackled. So I agree with your statement that

"Where there is awareness, there is Hope"

Usha has pointed out about Corruption. Unfortunately it has afflicted our society - though some may argue that not as badly as in the South East Asian countries. So how can the forest department officials be left behind?

I am not trying to justify, but have we looked at the salary levels of the people in the forest department? How do you expect the forest guard who is ill paid to stand up to the influential local people? In most of the sanctuaries, the posts lie vacant. The average age of people much higher. Most of them are demotivated and are just waiting for their retirement. You have to understand that people need jobs and the forest service is just a job.

Most of the times you find the forest ranger in the city. You don't get schooling facilities in the small towns, so the family of the forest officials stay in the towns away from him.The forest service has to be made attractive and only motivated people should be recruited. Corruption has to eradicated.

If you try to look at the forest policies, visions, action plans, you will get a nice first impression. However, most of those are just grandiose statements. Implementation is a far cry.

I agree with your point about spreading awareness among kids and younger generation. We have to Catch them Young. Perhaps we can include it in their curriculum. Regular presentations in the schools and colleges will help as well.