Protect Wildlife Sanctuaries

Introduction

Protected Area Network is intended for the conservation of wildlife by limiting human activities. Traditional societies in India have incorporated conservation in their religious and cultural traditions. Wildlife is considered sacred wherein some plant and animal species are especially revered, thus ensuring their protection.

Conservation of sacred species, groves, forests, and landscapes has been an important aspect of the ethics of Indian culture. The Sacred Groves / Forests are important repositories of floral and faunal diversity that have been conserved by local communities. The sacred groves in Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and North-East not only highlight community managed conservation efforts but also offer the potential for carbon sequestration. In Rajasthan, a desert state of India, the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) is valued for its moisture-retaining properties, and it is not axed even if it is a hindrance in construction.

Bishnoi, a social group inhabiting the Western Thar Desert is committed to the tenets of conserving the biodiversity of the area and ensuring a healthy eco-friendly social life for the community. Wild animals roam freely in their rural habitat.

Most wilderness areas across India are fragile ecosystems that provide a whole host of ecosystem services to local residents and people living downstream while serving as important tourist attractions. However, unplanned tourism in such landscapes can destroy the environment. Therefore, we need to visit these places in a very responsible way for education and recreation taking care not to harm the forest or wildlife in any manner.

Tips

• Always carry adequate water in a non-plastic container and use bio-degradable materials while visiting Protected Areas (PA).
• Keep seated in your vehicle during the visit to the wildlife parks and remain calm and composed even when you sight wildlife. Maintain silence so as not to disturb them.
• Avoid music while in the Safari car.
• Don’t light up cigarettes in Protected Areas as it can set ablaze dry leaves causing fire.
• Don’t tease animals or offer food while in the PAs.
• Wild animals are the actual asset of the PAs, respect and maintain a safe distance from them.
• Try to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the pristine environment while in the park.
• Always follow instructions given by the Nature Guide/ Forest Guard.
• In case any unnatural event is noticed, immediately report to the Forest Guard nearest to you.
• Appreciate the wildlife from afar and maintain a safe distance from them.
• Enjoy nature photography.
• Do not carry any plastic, firearms, crackers, flammable articles into the PA. They are prohibited.
• Do not organis e office / business meetings or social events in the protected areas.
• Do not litter, in stead place waste in litter bag provided in the vehicle.
• Do not force the driver to chase an animal or to enter a restricted zone.
• Organize wildlife club/ nature clubs to create awareness among people, especially the children.
• Do not take vehicles in restricted zones/ routes.
• Do not blow horn and over-speed the vehicle.

Source : Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change