Village, a unique man-made ecosystem, evokes a general perspective that biodiversity consists only of cultivated plants and domesticated livestock. But contrary to this popular belief, several wildlife species (including tertiary carnivores and venomous snakes etc.) are harboured and naturally propagate in these human dominated rural habitats. From the conservation point of view, many of these wild species are important and thus mentioned in the Schedules of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and/or specified in the IUCN Red list (like Bengal Fox, Fishing Cat, Monitor Lizards etc.). Modern conservation concerns and efforts have mostly been restricted to wild populations living in forests and other natural habitats. Such efforts are usually based on isolating wild habitats and populations of wild species away from human contact. But, this has ignored the traditional knowledge carried through generations, regarding the presence and pattern of functioning of these wild species co-habitating in village ecosystems. Additionally, from studies in India and various parts of the world, it is clear that the diversity of wild fauna found in the villages is extensive and they peacefully co-exist within village habitats, even at a time when human activities are known to drastically reduce wildlife populations (including within Protected Areas). Religious beliefs, sacred identity and perception of positive contributions are key reasons for not killing some wild species by local people. Along with that many people perceive wildlife in their neighbourhood as objects to be proud of. But above all, the traditional love and affection of locals generate a positive perception towards these animals and their efforts spread awareness about conservation to a wider population.
The Link to Dr. Chatterjee's lecture can be found at
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