Nature has been neglected for long.
We know full well that this is wrong.
But the consequences now are grave.
Before it is too late to save
Our planet we need to act.
There’s little time and that’s a fact.
Indeed forest preservation
Is ideal for carbon sequestration.
Another benefit that we see
Is the preservation of biodiversity.
When the concrete jungle takes a toll
Forest bathing can be a goal!
It can be a soothing balm
To once again restore your calm!
Forest regions that are reserved
Should be carefully preserved.
Development is now indeed
A dire and pressing need.
But of course we should insist
That nature must coexist.
If through development nature’s lost,
It will be a heavy cost.
Roads now crisscross forest land.
We should clearly understand
That drivers speeding on these roads,
Carrying both passengers and loads,
Are indeed a severe threat.
How can we now possibly let
Wild animals die day and night.
This is indeed a sorry sight.
Now feral dogs are on the rise.
They seize game of every size,
Marmot, blackbuck, antelope
Could all be within their scope.
Though sympathy for dogs is great
This threat we cannot tolerate!
Exotic pets for private zoos
Is another piece of bad news.
Then there are poachers who invade
While plying their illegal trade.
Whether for medicine or meat.
And they are difficult to beat.
There’s no evidence, that’s for sure
That a wild body part can be a cure.
If these superstitions do prevail
Conservation will surely fail.
As the conviction rate is very low,
The poacher numbers steadily grow.
The traps they set can target all.
Different species constantly fall.
What they want they take away.
The untargeted of course still stay
But they are often maimed for life,
An existence full of stress and strife.
Steadily there’s been a change
Their firepower’s of a longer range.
From a great distance they can shoot
And speed away with their loot.
Although they are always sought
Rarely are they ever caught.
They then go after larger game
Not deterred by threat or shame!
Wild pets are also often sought.
Much damage is thereby wrought.
Private zoos come at a cost.
Lots of wildlife could be lost.
The wells in forests don’t have walls.
Often we see that an animal falls.
Some are rescued, some ignored
Survival though, is not assured.
Humans and animals often fight.
This conflict is a sorry plight.
Animals face a lot of strife
But humans also lose their life.
This conflict has gone on for long.
There is no clear right or wrong.
Clever solutions are what we need
With win win thought we can succeed.
If we do no harm and yet benefit
Coexistence can be a hit!
Zero discharge is often preached
But the laws are sometimes breached.
As forest water quality totters
We lose fish, dolphins and otters.
Now plastic waste is a pain
On land and sea, it’s such a bane.
We need plastics that biodegrade.
More and more are being made.
In India too, they’re on the way
A major role they will play.
As far as goes for the other kind
We should always bear in mind
We must recycle or reuse
Or else repurpose and reduce.
It must be clearly understood
Waste management has to be good.
The task is hard, the task is tall.
Collectively let’s take the call.
Forest cover is steadily lost.
This will be a heavy cost.
Carbon capture will be much less
Biodiversity will be in a mess.
For some tiny short term gain
We will endure long term pain.
No matter what the excuse
We just can’t afford to lose
Any forest land at all.
We must take a sensible call.
Losing forest land isn’t fine
Whether for a field or a mine.
If we preserve the forest’s health.
We can enjoy our wildlife wealth.
And now it’s time to take a look
At Nelson’s wonderful book.
“Mammals of India” can help us all
To take the conservation call.
