Plants and animals together form an integral part of the environment. But the burgeoning human population and increasing greed is leading to near extinction of many of flora and fauna species, which has not only disturbed te overall foodchain but also threatens to disturb the entire ecological balance of earth.
In this backdrop, it is essential to conserve every bit of our forests and the wild animals which are endangered.
"Not just the humans but even the plants and animals on this plant also deserve to live. We as human being are blessed with brain that has capacity to think. Therefore it is our responsibility to think for those creatures which can’t think for themselves but play a pivotal role in keeping our planet intact. Living under the impression that earth belongs only to us (human beings) is no less than disastrous,” Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF), North, Jabestin A told Herald.
“We should understand one simple reality. The earth does not belong to human beings but the human beings belong to the earth. By 'we' I mean all the creatures living on this earth, the flora and the fauna,” the DCF said.
Omkar Dharwadkar, a bird watcher and a nature enthusiast felt a need for protection of biodiversity not just for posterity but also to protect the human identity.
“Since life on earth is interdependent, extinction of endangered species will have direct impact on the ecosystem and therefore on human existence,” Dharwadkar said.
Explaining the process of categorisation of species Dharwadkar said, “Status of Avian (bird) or any other biological species changes after a rigorous research. Researchers based on various criterions such as frequency of sightings, assessment of their habitat, population estimate, survey and monitoring decides the status of a particular species.”
He informed that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has divided these species into eight different categories namely Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.
Mammals found in Goa’s wildlife Dhole (wild dog), Leopard Cat are listed as endangered. Indian Pangolin/thick-tailed Pangolin is on the verge of extinction due to its illegal hunting and smuggling. It’s usage by the local community as traditional medicine and consumption as source of protein is posing threat to their survival.
Those falling under the category of endangered Avian species includes Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey-headed bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, informed Jabestin A.
“Egyptian Vulture which had once gone extinct from the Western Ghats was sighted in the forest patch of Goa months back. Reasons behind its extinction from Western Ghats were manifold. But its reappearance gave an indication of healthy and diverse ecosystem,” he said.
Informing about the recent sighting of Malabar Giant Squirrel and endangered Slender Loris at Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary, Jabestin said the presence of such wild creatures indicates the presence of rich forest environment.
Agreeing with the DCF, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar lamented the man-animal conflict and habitat destruction is the major reason behind many biological species getting categorised as endangered.
“A herd of Asiatic Elephant which was sighted couple of weeks ago at Goa border is one such example. The other well-known example can be Royal Bengal Tiger. Massive deforestation, poaching, smuggling, forest fragmentation are main reasons why these mammals are listed as endangered today,” Kerkar said.
Further Jabestin informed the Amboli Bush Frog, Malabar tree toad, Malabar bi-coloured frog, Pareshis blind Caecilian to be endangered Amphibian species.
Expressing his disappointment about the recent incident of delay in releasing the Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings at one of the nesting sites, Jebastin A. said, “The Olive Ridley sea turtles are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red list. By ‘endangered’ we mean those species which are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in near future. These species are protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 of Schedule I.”
“Harming wild animals by any means is a punishable offence,” Jabestin added.
Except Nilgiri Wood Pigeon which is ‘vulnerable’ and Grey-headed bulbul which is ‘Near Threatened’, none of the Avian species endemic to the Western Ghat are endangered, said Dharwadkar.
Ecologist and member of Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), Parag Rangnekar felt the need for creating a garden to attract the colorful day-flying insects instead of planting the trees bearing the mere colorful flowers having no nectar.
Rangnekar emphasized on the need for adequate research, proper monitoring and data collection to protect the endangered lesser fauna. According to him, habitat protection is the major step towards the protection lesser fauna.
“Observing the butterflies present in one’s locality, learning about its host plant, planting more number of those particular host plants in the vicinity can help increase the count of these insects,” he said.
Expressing his concern about the data collection deficiency and no proper scientific study pertaining to the lesser fauna, especially the Lepidoptera, Rangnekar said, “Not necessary that the species which are threatened globally has to be threatened locally or those which are threatened locally will be on the list of threat globally. Common Bushbrown which is listed as threatened globally is found in abundance locally, he added.
Raising concern about decline in habitat of lesser fauna, Rangnekar claimed that the Malabar Tree Nymph, the State butterfly of Goa though is listed as ‘near threatened’ in the IUCN red list has now started to change its status to vulnerable and can soon become endangered if its natural habitat is not protected.
Explaining the reason behind his claim, Rangnekar said the Tree Nymph is range restricted butterfly found within the pockets. “These are found on woody climbers, the Aganosma Cymos, which grows along the streams,” he said.
Dharwadkar believes spreading awareness about the Avian species by sensitizing the general public about its importance can help aid their conservation.
According to Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Paresh Porob every citizen should act responsibly to protect and preserve endangered species for our own survival. Porob said, “Climate change can be averted if we all coexist harmoniously on this planet.”