Kartick Satyanarayan of Wildlife SOS says since India is home to 70 per cent of the world’s tiger population, it’s crucial for every citizen to take responsibility to protect the species. By Team Viva
At wildlife SOS, what are the initiatives undertaken to tackle poaching of tigers?
The Wildlife SOS anti-poaching unit — Forest Watch — uses undercover informers to gather intelligence on wildlife traffickers and transactions. It then passes on the information to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, the Forest Department and the Police who are the authorised agencies to enforce the law and take legal action against such offenders.
What kind of challenges did you face while uncovering the poaching gangs and their malpractices?
To track poaching gangs and wildlife traffickers is a very dangerous activity. These gangs are filled with malevolent agents who mostly have commercial profit in mind. While some of them are genuinely victims of poverty and harsh conditions, many of them do it for the massive profits to be gained from illegal trafficking. In such cases, there’s never-ending threat to those working against them.
It is not just the fear of animals like tigers, leopards and elephants getting poached that bothers us. In some communities, whether due to fiscal troubles or otherwise, animals like Chinkara are often hunted for bushmeat. In such cases, there’s a very faint line between ethics and reason because one can’t argue with someone over morals when they are living on an empty stomach. Many organisations also depend on informers who are mostly members of the same community — there’s a constant fear of being uncovered.
Human-animal conflict comes as another challenge for us. When the farms of those living on the fringes of the forests are marauded by rampaging elephants or domestic dogs are carried off by leopards, it is hard to explain the concept of co-existence to people. Last, but not the least, we also have fund constraints. As an NGO, we constantly depend on funds for conducting our anti-poaching operations.
How relevant do you think shows like Tigers: Hunting the Traffickers are to spread the word?
I am glad to associate with the channel and this show to spread awareness around tiger poaching. The series sheds light on illegal tiger trade around the world and how it is threatening the survival of the species.
I believe Sony BBC Earth, as a channel, is making some really relevant content that depicts the plight of endangered animals. We must honour India’s diverse yet fast disappearing wildlife heritage and it is the need of the hour to encourage positive environmental action by inspiring people to actively participate in working to improve and protect it.
Is it possible for the common lore to take steps at an individual level to curb the growth of illegal animal trade? Is there any helpline number or measures included for the public to report such events?
Awareness and knowledge are two very powerful tools in propagating this ideology. As responsible citizens, we must educate ourselves about the issues surrounding the plight of tigers and other endangered wildlife populations in India. Here’s how you can contribute to make a difference:
Some of my key projects are:
What is the kind of support that such organisations require?
India is home to about 70 per cent of the world’s tiger population, thereby making our role in ensuring the survival of this species crucial. If we lose the tiger, the loss would be irreversible and shameful.
The need of the hour is public education and awareness. The fact that we have wild tigers, elephants, leopards, bears and a wealth of wildlife living cheek by jowl amid us in one of the most densely-populated countries in the world is a sign that there is still hope. If each one of us works and does the right thing to help protect and conserve wildlife, then we can certainly make a difference. It is extremely challenging to run a non-profit organisation and to also find people who can stay committed to the cause. We rely completely on donations and grants to meet the needs of the animals under our care and to support our conservation efforts.
(The series stars on October 17 at 10 pm on Sony BBC Earth.)