Covid-19 : Why Close The Tiger Parks?

After the frightening and murdering pandemic we have developed cold feets and long ultra sensitive ears. In this predicament we have forgotten that economy cannot be halted for long irrespective. Yes irrespective of damage this bugger is doing, things will have to move on — albeit a paradigm will have to set in which will make us and the wildlife less susceptible to the pandemic. And we have enough time! Well nearly!

I have read that some people are interested in closure of the tiger reserve during this pandemic which seems to cross over a year or more.

I am writing here (as amatuer) to plead for tiger tourism in our reserves. The show must go on!

The news of tigers being affected by coronavirus should not create panic since the conditions are different and so is the country. In USA there five thousand big cats in custody many in private capacity and not part of an institutions, such is the nature of policies that country abides with.

At the most we should learn how to save tigers from this deadly pandemic from that incidence in captivity. We do have disease diagnostics and treatment centers for wild animals in India.

People who are advocating closure of National Parks and WLS for tiger tourism are displaying a haphazard and frenzied assessment. There are some points to consider why the tourism should be continued in these wildlife heavens in India.

• Tourists by regulation have to maintain distance from wild animals especially tigers during the excursion.
• A large number of workforce that comprises of the management — Rangers, beat guards, vets, officers and sundry labour will not be stopped from entering the core zones. This aberration would certainly lead to poaching, wood logging and frequent trespass within the core. Hence nobody will be able to prevent nearness to these animals in the core.
• Human intervention often required will again bring the vets and helpers in close contacts with the wild animals.
• In the buffer zones there is no check on human activities, hence chances of big cats and other animals closing up on humans is maximum. Closing tourism in the park will not prevent these incursions.
• Most important we have forgotten the economy of the guides, drivers and local small business. The resorts may not find it feasible to pay the staff they will definitely reduced to bare minimum.
• This extensive lockdown and the time of reopening of the parks in October 2020 has given us a lot of time to get things in proper order. And our Governments have been very alert and sincere in tackling this malady that which would certainly act against harsh economic measures.
• The detractors will anyway find out how the wheels of economy churn in spite of the pandemic. It is simply impossible to halt the economic activities for a long time. I am talking about people who survive on daily wages and those with little savings. They will have to gear up to work pandemic or no pandemic. Mind You!
• Other factors we have to consider is that people in India are less affected by the pandemic , I mean infected. Secondly a distancing and preventing mechanism is taking place. And most important test and diagnosis are in place or increasing substantially in the country. This is the biggest safeguard against the further spread of disease.
• I am sure International or inbound arrivals would not be allowed to enter India without confirmation of their status. Those who are found positive whether in their country before going on board, or in India upon entering will not be allowed to enter the parks as well.
• Local staff, I believe the forest department would have already tested them. The staff pertaining to local institution in shops and commerce will have to carry a green certificate having been tested in recent times.
• Those who are aware of our ecosystems and understand wilderness know very well how strong the immunity is among the wild animals. Tigers and mega fauna have immunity far stronger than humans and certainly those surviving in the harsh conditions of the wild World.
• I am writing as an amateur naturalist…but we have the right thinkers amongst our wildlife managers and policy makers hence the sagacity will prevail.
• We must carry on with the show next October Onward!

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Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, environmental issues.

He also provides SEO and Website Contents in English.

Uday Teaches Internet Marketing Classes in his home town in Jabalpur in Summer.

pateluday90@hotmail.com

Originally published at https://tigersafari.blogspot.com.