Bust the nexus

It is disturbing to know that even the carcass of a protected species, even in the confines of a zoo, is not spared. One can imagine how unsafe the blackbucks are in their natural habitat. An organised racket seems to be operating in the State with links in other countries. Barring a few isolated successes in busting such crimes, the nexus between the mafia and wildlife sleuths continues to grow. Killing animals for their teeth, horns, hides and bones is becoming a regular feature. Such incidents do not augur for our wildlife.

The Wildlife Conservation Department should curb the activities of the mafia and bring to book those found guilty of poaching and threatening wildlife.

Jayaprakash A.P

Kottayam

Protect animals

The desire of many an elite for collecting and displaying trophy in the form of stuffed heads, antlers, tusks and hides has endangered wild animals. The recent incident indicates how a so-called literate society pursues the decadent practices of the privileged class.

To protect and preserve wildlife, we need to devise and popularise sustainable health care measures that do not harm the flora and fauna, ensure minimum or sustainable use of raw materials, particularly forest produce and ease the pressure on water resources that sustain both forests and wildlife.

Devraj Sambasivan

Alappuzha

Prevent poaching

The present issue on spiriting away the skull and antlers from the carcass of a blackbuck buried on the premises of the zoo in Thiruvananthapuram shows man's greed as well as disregard for wild animals. Such incidents occur because those who should enforce law are hand in glove with the lawbreakers. If the antlers and skull were stolen from the zoo, it could have been done only with the connivance of the guards or employees of the zoo. They may have been bribed. Poachers kill elephants and deer. The skin, horns as well as other body parts of various animals are in great demand in foreign markets. The bones and horns are used in the making of fashionable products, buttons, jewellery and artefacts.

Poaching, though banned, is still prevalent. The Government should step up vigil to check poaching. Mandatory actions should be taken and animal welfare and anti-poaching laws reviewed. All the criminals should be brought before the law and convicted.

Sruthi B

Cheruthana

Spread awareness

The ancient Indian culture was universally accepted for its high values and respect for nature. In the Hindu mythological texts, each element in nature is considered divine. Rituals, such as `naga puja' and `vriksha puja,' were performed to pay obeisance to nature. Killing cows were deemed a sin. However, the rapid destruction of the ecosystem has led to an imbalance in the ecological system and the animal kingdom.

There is increasing demand for leopard and tiger skins and elephant tusks. People now prefer to decorate their drawing rooms with the carcasses and skin of animals. Despite strict laws enforced by the government, the illegal trade is promoted because people are ready to pay astronomical sums. Awareness programmes, which stress on our moral responsibility in conserving the flora and fauna of our country, should be conducted in schools and colleges.

Manu Melwin Joy

Thrissur

Punish offenders

The wild animals and birds in our zoos are miserable. They are ill-fed and confined to unkempt and dingy cages and enclosures. The health and welfare of the animals in captivity fails to figure on the priority list of the Government. Our wildlife wealth is in jeopardy, as the laws enacted for the protection and preservation is enforced effectively. Wildlife sanctuaries are no longer a haven for the winged and the four-legged creatures. Visitors disturb the tranquillity of their habitat.

As per nature's law, man and animals need to co-exist. But, man's greed overrules his need, making him endanger wildlife and jeopardising his welfare in the process. Some animals and birds are on the verge of extinction and many others are fighting their last chances for survival. We should not forget that animals have the claim and right to life and existence just as we do. Be it in captivity or in the wild, animals should be given due consideration. The authorities should crack down on offenders and educate the masses about the importance and value of protecting wildlife.

K. Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

Violation of law

The recent issues of the missing antlers and skull from the carcass of a blackbuck and the alleged removal of skin from a tiger's carcass before burning it are examples of gross violation of law in our country. The authorities involved seem to have taken the matter lightly without paying attention to the issues involved. It is not clear whether the zoo director was on duty at the time of the disposal of the carcasses. However, in the absence of the director, the administrative officer should be the person to officiate in such important matters.

The incident makes one suspicious on whether these were cases of oversight or deliberate violations of the law with ulterior motives. There is a need for transparency in such matters to ensure that carcasses of wild animals are not misused. It will be better for the zoos to ensure the presence of forest and wildlife officials and wildlife activists while disposing of them. The authorities can also maintain photographs or video recordings of the burial or burning to keep the process above board.

Leela Latheef

People for Animals

Thiruvananthapuram

Step up vigilance

So far, incidents of dead animals or their body parts being spirited away has not occurred in the Thiruvananthapuram zoo. The present incident could not have happened without the knowledge of the employees. Now that the matter is being probed, various factors may be brought to light. However, the incident of the blackbuck's antlers being spirited away has highlighted the need for stepping up vigilance and carrying out regular checks. A comprehensive plan can be drawn up on the basis of the investigation report. Conviction of the Bollywood actor Salman Khan by a Jodhpur court for having killed a `chinkara' or blackbuck a few years ago, should be warning enough for those who may indulge in such acts.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

Cause for concern

The theft of the antlers and skull from the carcass of a blackbuck that had been buried in the zoo has become a cause for concern for animal lovers.

The authorities should take steps to ensure that the carcasses buried on the premises of the zoo are not exhumed unnecessarily. In the event of such a need, the authorities should obtain permission from the Government.

The granting of permission for such deeds should be done only in accordance with the law. The animals in the zoo should be protected and the Government as well as the zoo authorities should take requisite steps to ensure the safety of the animals and birds. Each creature in the zoo should be registered and a periodic review conducted by officials appointed by the Government.

Reshmi S

Thiruvananthapuram

Probe needed

Whoever removed the antlers and skull is likely to be someone who is familiar with the zoo and its premises. The tools for digging could not have been brought into the zoo without being seen by the employees on duty. This could have been done by an outsider but with the connivance of the employees. The investigation should help bring the culprit to book.

P.M.G. Pillai

Thiruvalla

Ominous signal

The recent incident in Thiruvananthapuram zoo sends out ominous signals about the plight of the animals in captivity. The first step towards solving a problem is realising the existence of the problem.

Wildlife is priceless and irreplaceable and public awareness about this will be a step in the right direction. The practice of taxidermy and other related activities should be banned and severe action taken against the culprits. The recent conviction of the actor Salman Khan should be a warning to poachers and those interested in hunting.

The elite should realise that displaying stuffed animals mounted on the walls of their houses do not indicate status but serve to reveal the apathy and negligence towards wildlife and social values. An appraisal of all the zoos would help ensure maximum protection to the wildlife. We should respect our wildlife and redress our mistakes.

Anton Babu

Thiruvananthapuram

National parks

We should protect our wildlife and do our bit in restoring ecological balance in nature.

Several wildlife animals will become endangered if steps are not taken and implemented to protect them. Rampant poaching of animals for their meat, skin and bones is on in forest areas. Stringent enforcement of wildlife law is the need of the hour. The incident of the spiriting away of antlers and skull from the carcass of a blackbuck should be dealt with seriously. This incident could not have occurred without the knowledge of the zoo authorities. The animals in captivity lead a poor life.

The cages and enclosures are not well designed, and haphazard collection of animals from different parts of the world compounds the problems.

The health and living condition of the animals calls for drastic improvement. Attempt to educate visitors about the ecology and conservation of species on display is important.

Well-defined collection, captive breeding and the release of the animals into the wild will help improve the wildlife status. We need more anti-poaching programmes, legal support, education and awareness, new wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

Shreya A.S

Thiruvananthapuram

Protect wildlife

Increasing population and economic needs have put enormous pressure on the ecosystem and wildlife. The United Nations and the Government of India are initiating measures to protect nature and the wildlife. Commercial exploitation of animals and plants for fake medicines is on the rise.

Such criminal activities violate the Wildlife Protection Act.

The Constitution has included the protection of wildlife, conservation of the environment and prevention of pollution as the fundamental duties of every citizen.

J.R. Kumar

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