I would like to tell a few aspects of my own experiences to explain why we felt compelled to create a Conservation Cell to address some of the local wildlife issues.
I am a wildlife biologist and as part of my work I study carnivorous animals in the wild. Central India is one such area where I work. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to study some of the finest natural areas that still harbour spectacular wildlife species. People and wildlife cannot be separated in this region as their daily lives cross. The local people I meet are good- intentioned, intelligent and humble. They hope that they can help in preserving the natural areas in some way, that they can support the less -privileged people in some way and make a difference. I spoke to people and tried to understand about the situation of our forests and wildlife. I spoke to forest department staff, local university professors, local police and people representatives, tribals, to villagers and who depend on resources from natural areas, tourists, tourist lodge personnel, outsiders who have emigrated from other areas to work in tourist lodges, village leaders, scientists, developmental worker and religious people.

In the last nine years of my association with natural areas in Madhya Pradesh I have seen tremendous changes and fluctuations in the status and health of these areas. There is a downtrend and every single individual i met admits it too. What is surprising is that the large majority of the people I met and talked to find it difficult to perform in the areas they know best. There is this visible air of disappointment amongst people that even though they are fully aware of what needs to be done, they are simply unable to muster the environment to make the change happen. I strongly feel that this situation is unhealthy, drains the enthusiasm among people and counterproductive.

The very fact that the diversity in people with their different ways of life but living in the same region having varying influence on the nature areas and wildlife is difficult for any one person to fathom let alone bring a change. In their eagerness to contribute, to bring about a change, people independently address issues. Such attempt and response is reactionary and is built on high emotions but not necessarily based on scientific findings, clear understanding and not sustainable. I am witness to many such responses and all of them had a counterproductive result.

Today the wildlife situation in Madhya Pradesh is in a perilous situation with no visible direction or hope. To address the situation and for long term survival of the natural areas and wildlife in Madhya Pradesh it is very important to address issues involving all the various stakeholders who have direct or indirect influence on the natural areas. This can only be achieved if people with various skill sets and specializations integrate their knowledge and work together to find solutions to local issues. With this in mind, using our wildlife tourism background as a platform we at Pugdundee Safaris have created a Conservation Cell with an aim to work together (with all the stakeholders and experts) and protect our natural areas and the wildlife.

Shekhar Kolipaka
Wildlife researcher
Advisor and Director Conservation Cell.