The Price Of Conservation - Essay Example

The Price of Conservation The protection of wild animals from extinction is perceived as a way of protecting the stability of the planet. Conservation efforts are based on the fact that all species add value to the quality of life. The extinction of a single species interferes with the food chain, which can have serious repercussions. Adams and Carwardine highlights the struggles and challenges that come with the conservation of Kaziranga in India. Kaziranga is surrounded by a population of approximately 70,000 people who struggle with poverty on a daily basis. According to Adams and Carwardine (21), Kaziranga is ranked as one of the best places to see rhinos in the world. One of the significant issues raised by Adams and Carwardine is the impact that conservation has on the lives of the local people and the role that local people play in enhancing conservation efforts. There is a need for innovative conservation methods to ease the burden on local communities that live around parks like Kaziranga. Adams and Carwardine (21) are quick to appreciate the conservation efforts that have helped in turning Kaziranga into a haven for countless species of animals. The start of conservation efforts in that area can be traced back to the early twentieth century when most of the rhinos were facing extinction. It is clear the story of Kaziranga is unique and inspiring when Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine say, Since then a hundred years of painstaking efforts have increased the population a hundredfold; two thirds of all the rhinos the world’s Indian rhinos live in Kaziranga. Yet to me, the idea that there are any of these spectacularly rare animals at all, in one of the poorest, most densely settled, social complex areas, and politically fraught places on earth, is little short of miraculous. (21) The rhinos have defied the odds that have been created by historical events, which include the harsh climate changes in different parts of the world. However, the Rhinos could not survive the pressure that comes from the increasing population and farming. Conservation efforts have given the rhinos a safe place to thrive. However, the park is also under threat as the cases of poaching increase facilitated by the high price of rhino horns and the high rate of poverty in the community. Adams and Carwardine use vivid descriptions and historical references to show continuity. The use of narrations allows the audience to relate to the experience of all the people living in Assam. The ill effects of the conservation efforts can be felt by the families of the park guards who have to stomach the thought of losing their loved ones in the fight against poachers. The guards are forced to work with less advanced weapons to fight poachers who carry advanced weapons. They are forced to patrol the park at night with the risk of being ambushed by deadly animals and poachers. How can the burden of these guards be reduced? How have they influenced conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park? They are the questions that people should ask to understand the impact that the sacrifice that these guards to protect the rhinos. Effective conservation efforts should not focus on the symptoms only but also on the foundational problems. Most of the families living around Kaziranga depend on very low earns from small scale farming. It is disheartening because the farmers have to part with a portion of their earnings, which is destroyed by the rhinos and elephant from the park. The guards who risk their lives on a daily basis are paid approximately $120 per month, which is not enough to maintain their families. Some of the guards who are hired on a casual basis are paid much less. The story of Golap Patgiri is an example of how poverty facilitates poaching. Golap is a former guard who lost his job and resorted to supporting poachers to make ends meet. He is ready to redeem and act as an informer for the park management. At first, the narrator (Adams & Carwardine) are certain that Golap is the enemy who is perceived to be against all conservation efforts. However, the narrators’ (Adams and Carwardine) perception changes when he hears the story of Golap. It is amazing that even after being rejected by the community Golap still acts as a guide for the poachers three more times. The level of desperation and poverty in Golap’s family is shown by the vivid explanations given by the author. Golap comes out as a victim of circumstances and not the enemy. Efforts to give poachers a source of livelihood seems like a lasting solution to the problem of poaching in Kaziranga. The challenges that come with this solution are clear when Adams and Carwardine write, First, though Uttam is trying to negotiate an agreement between Golap and the Forest Department: the authorities drop all the cases against him, and in exchange one of the most wanted rhino killers vows to go straight and never enter the park again. It’s a gamble all around, but all unless both parties take risks more deaths are inevitable. (33) Conservation efforts by the local people have been influential in keeping the rhinos alive. The author utilizes narration to inform the audience of the role that the villagers play in conservation. He takes the stand of someone who is surprised and impressed at the same time. He says, The villagers’ reaction to Golap brings home to me the second big reason rhinos are still wandering around Kaziranga. Rhinos remain (as do elephants, buffaloes, and tigers) because many Indians want them. You do not have to stay long in Assam to realize that local people are tremendously proud of Kaziranga and its rhinos in particular. (33) The Assamese are paying a heavy price for their rhinos and other wild animals. The positive attitude towards wildlife is influenced by the belief that human beings should care for all animals as taught in Buddhism and Hinduism. Recently, the Forest Department and other stakeholders have also started initiatives aimed at making the community work together in protecting the park. The author acknowledges the sentiments of Mr. Boro, who believes working with the community is a major boost to the fight against poachers (Adams and Carwardine 33). It will also provide a way for the conservationists to solve the foundational problems that push people to poach. In conclusion, Adams and Carwardine are keen on explaining the importance of innovative conservation efforts as the world changes. Areas like Assam are likely to change as development and western views dominate most parts of India. The people’s views about wildlife are also changing. The lack of innovative conservation efforts means the future of Kaziranga is not safe. The national park does not earn enough revenue for everyone. Creativity is paramount to continue protecting the rhinos of Kaziranga and other wild animals in different parts of the globe. Works Cited Adams, Douglas, and Mark Carwardine. Last Chance to See. New York: Ballantine Books, 2011. Print. Read More