It was early one morning when on a usual trip to the mess for the first cup of chai, we were presented with a dilemma; in the mouth of one of our favourite campus dogs was a bird that many had never seen before -- a Ruddy-breasted crake! While the ruddy-breasted crake is a shy bird and is hard to find, dogs are ubiquitous in our landscape. Everywhere, from cities and towns and villages to some of the most ecologically diverse areas such as the highlands of the Himalayas and the rainforests of India. In fact, Matthew Gompper -- a scientist who has worked extensively on free-ranging dogs -- has put an estimate of close to one billion free-ranging dogs in the world. Now that’s a lot of worry for not just wildlife but also people. Being predators, dogs might naturally hunt and eat other animals, but unlike other predators -- whose natural population is maintained by their food -- dog population is human-generated. As a consequence, if you flip through any newspaper or check online reporting, you will know the extent to which dogs have impacted wildlife (including critically endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, the Snow leopard, florican, bears, etc.) and people (rabies kills ~20,000 people every year!).
However, we all like dogs! But does this affection somehow affect how we perceive their impact on wildlife and us? We set out to investigate this in order to understand the perception of people in the conservation community. The survey, which will be published soon, gave valuable insights into how the academic community perceives the impact of dogs on wildlife, as well as what kind of mitigation measures should be taken to control them. However, the point of this narrative far exceeds the findings.
Bu hikaye Saevus dergisinin December 2019 - February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Saevus dergisinin December 2019 - February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Staying ALIVE!
The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.
Frames from the WILD
A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!
WAKE UP!
A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!
Dolphin DILEMMA!
A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.
Gecko Quest!
The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.
Endangered EXOTICA!
The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!
Mellifluous Magpie!
Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.
Think Different!
The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.
Take Heed!
The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.
Close Encounters!
The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,