What a paradox, two of the biggest democracies in the world and smitten by the Tiger Buff. On one hand
But the question is, suddenly why is there so much fuss about plummeting Tiger numbers, when many more endangered species are also facing the same scenario. Is it simply because Tiger is our national animal? NO, there is much more to it. Tigers occupy an important place in the Indian culture. Since ages, it has been the symbol of magnificence, power, beauty and fierceness and has been associated with bravery and valor. The tiger also has a significant place in Hindu mythology as the vehicle of Goddess Durga. In the olden times, hunting of tigers was considered to be one of the highest acts of bravery by kings and noblemen. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator and is at the apex of the food chain. Therefore the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well being of the ecosystem. The extinction of this top predator is an indication that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected. Tigers and high intensity biotic disturbances such as poaching and stealing of kills do not go together. If the tigers in the wild have to survive, it is imperative that other species of wild animals that are directly or indirectly a part of the food chain must also thrive. Therefore, the survival of the tiger is an important yardstick to measure the existence of a healthy forest ecosystem.
So what are the dreadful contributors to the sorry state of this royal animal? Habitat and prey loss is certainly one of the most important reasons, large-scale habitat destruction and decimation of prey populations are the major long-term threats to the existence of the dwindling tiger population in the country. Less than a hundred years ago, tigers prowled all across
But all this while I was wondering how a common man can contribute towards the ‘Save Our Tigers’ campaign? Can we really save this beautiful creature just by writing blogs and talking big? The answer to this is Yes and No. Unless we spread the word about the criticality of the situation we can’t even think of moving forward. So going out loud and telling everyone that Tigers are dying and they need our help is the least we can do. We should also try to become responsible tourists and shouldn’t damage the sanctuaries and zoos by littering around and as the saying goes ‘Don’t leave thing anything behind except foot steps, and don’t take anything except memories.’ We should also strive towards reducing our dependency on the natural resources and hence should cut down on the usage of products derived from forests, such as timber and paper. And being a responsible citizen of this nation we should be honest and brave enough to report any susceptible incidents of hunting, poaching or illegal trading because this is the one which is causing the maximum damage to this endangered specie. And last but not the least if can curb on any of our luxuries and in turn donate that saving towards the cause of Tiger Conversation through the channels WWF and PETA, it would not only be an act of kindness to this nation but it will be a great service towards the entire mankind.
At the outset matters like this seem quite uninteresting and boring to us when we have much glamorized and less though provoking options like IPL, My Name is Khan, Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaega or Tiger Woods sexcapades at our fingertips. We generally tend to keep ourselves away from such important issues and even if we come across advertisements emphasizing about the importance of Tiger Conservations, we more often than not change the channel. But it is high time we take some ownership and give a serious thought to such issues because our nation’s pride is at stake. If we won’t do it, who will do it? The current generation hardly knows anything about our national sport which is in its worst possible state, let us pledge and not let this happen to our national animal.
Save the Speechless, Save Our Tigers!
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kin...
nice thought ... i have a solution for this problem.. we need to look at inducing pigs/dogs etc genes into tiger so that the tigress would start production more than 4-5 cubs at a given time!!! lolz
ReplyDeleteThank You Kinshuk. I agree, future generation of India should know about the nation like national sport and animal.
ReplyDeleteQuite an itelligent work... At least I am aware, how can I contribute by spreading awareness. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVery Nice Kinshuk.. I am also discussing same with the SAVEOURTIGERS intiative admin regarding this ,that Are we really doing anything for tigers y just writing blogs and all this.....but lets hope govt. will wake up soon as should take a desciplinary action....
ReplyDeleteThought provoking!!! We are so caught up in our everyday lives that we hardly give a thought of how we, as a common man, can make a huge difference to the community. The onus is on us to step in front to do
ReplyDeleteWhatever we can to make a difference..then it may be saving the tigers..to deforestation to spreading awareness about the dreaded diseases. Its important that we start taking all the issues seriously and instead of having a casual attitude about things, think of doing that one thing that can change even a miniscule positively in the world.