Published in Dwarka Express on 19.8.23

What is the relevance of these three animals we are talking about? Lions day on 10^th Aug, Elephant Day on 12^th Aug and Wolf Day on 13^th Aug. So, all three days were observed in the last week. It is indeed a good gesture that the world observes these days together, to draw the world’s attention to these slowly disappearing wild animals. But how many of us gave serious attention to some ecards which were posted in groups or some painting/quiz competition held by some NGOs/schools and colleges. The reality is such things do not draw our attention, in our busy schedule. When an elephant or a lion does not draw our attention that the poor owl would have attracted any attention. Yes, on Aug 4^th, the world also observed International Owl Awareness Day, for sure. The significance of observing these days is obviously to give a caution that these are under threat and may become extinct if conservation measures are not envisaged.

It is not a new phenomenon that the wild animals enter into human territory. Elephants are the glaring victim of human perception that they have entered into the human territory. Three million years ago, lions roamed in Africa and Eurasia freely. Now their homes have shrunk and sometimes they come out of jungles in search of food. While life risk for man cannot be ignored, its also essential that these animals deserve justice. The international days should not be a one-day affair or just to draw a lion or an elephant picture. Conservation efforts are needed, not only to retain their population but also increase them. There is a serious threat to our conservation efforts in the wake of amended Forest Conservation Act. This needs to be revisited and remedial measures must be taken.