The second issue of IndiEnvironment discusses Haryana’s Mesquite trees (Prosopis Juliflora) which have been cut down by the thousands, on the pretext that they are invasive. Should Mesquite be cut down simply to make buildings? Also, a brief look at the problems with writing on human-wildlife conflict. Image and PDF below. Feedback most welcome! … Continue reading
The barometer of India’s leadership in tiger conservation will be both in securing Indian wild tigers in our forests as well as diplomatic heft for Chinese captive tigers. Continue reading
Verse for vultures:
Silently, vultures watch us.
Their quiet gaze is cautious. Continue reading
What causes a gentle elephant to die on a railway track or go on a ‘rampage’? What stops the tiger from crossing the road?
Little-understood environmental clearances (roads, railways, highways), pigheadedness (making expensive walls elephants can break to keep them in) and an exclusively human-centric approach is increasing human-wildlife conflict throughout India. Continue reading
While the last post looks at how religion, in part, protects wildlife wildlife– even crop-damaging species like Nilgai– this is not a simple issue.
Looking at various moves to use, and abuse, them in rituals in India. Should religion and custom be part of state-sponsored decision-making? Continue reading
This first appeared here. Discussion: protecting Rhinos is bloody and tiring business. The battles are not fair, with the poachers being better armed. Should India move towards de-horning rhinos, in order to give the animal a fair shot at life? I argue no, as this sets a wrong precedent for both the rhino and other … Continue reading
Here, I recount the story of four irreverent tigers from Ranthambhore, brought to Sariska, and the expectations of the state machinery for resultant tourism and tales. The big cats though, were reluctant, imperious, and just, well, tigers. This piece first appeared in the Indian Express. NEHA SINHA A cracked road, winding through lush forest, bracketed by zealous home … Continue reading
