Target: Bhupender Yadav Minister of Environment and Forests, India
Goal: Protect wildlife by rejecting Kerala’s proposal to amend the Wildlife Protection Act to allow killing of animals deemed problematic.
The recent push by Kerala’s government to alter national wildlife protections is alarming and could lead to unnecessary loss of life among protected species. Reports indicate that Kerala is seeking amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, advocating for the killing of wild animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants when they enter human settlements and are perceived as threats. This proposed change comes despite the legal framework already allowing for capturing, tranquilizing, or relocating animals, emphasizing that lethal measures should only be used as a last resort.
Critical details reveal that wildlife attacks in Kerala have resulted in 919 human fatalities and nearly 9,000 injuries over the past seven years. However, critics argue that simply culling species to address these issues does not tackle the root causes such as habitat destruction and human encroachment into wildlife territory. Furthermore, the potential for misuse of power, as officials seek to decentralize authority on issuing “kill permits,” raises significant ethical and ecological concerns.
It is imperative to maintain stringent protections for wildlife to ensure ecological balance and prevent further endangerment of vulnerable species. Therefore, the demand is clear: reject the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act and prioritize humane, non-lethal solutions for managing human-wildlife conflict in Kerala.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Yadav,
Recent developments concerning Kerala’s request to amend the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 raise grave concerns about the fate of numerous protected species in India. The state government’s alarming push for permissions to kill species such as tigers, leopards, and elephants labeled as threats to human settlements overlooks the root causes of these conflicts. This alarming proposal could lead to indiscriminate culling and massive ecological disruption, further endangering already vulnerable populations.
While it is acknowledged that some species have increased in population, taking drastic measures such as amending legal protections undermines conservation efforts. Local authorities already possess tools to manage these conflicts without resorting to killing, which should remain the last option rather than a first response.
It is essential to protect India’s wildlife by rejecting any amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act that would facilitate the killing of wild animals. We urge a commitment to developing humane, effective strategies for addressing human-wildlife conflicts that prioritize coexistence and ecological integrity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
