Conservationist Urges End to Treatment of Wild Animals in Protected Areas for Natural Injuries

In Bengaluru, conservation biologist Sanjay Gubbi has written to Karnataka’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, calling for a halt to treating wild animals in national parks and sanctuaries when injuries occur due to natural causes. Gubbi emphasized that wildlife has different needs compared to domestic animals and that such treatments disrupt the natural cycle, which includes animals succumbing to injuries from natural events, benefiting scavengers and the ecosystem.

However, Gubbi supports intervention for animals injured due to unnatural causes such as snares, vehicle collisions, and attacks by feral dogs. His letter follows a prominent case in Nagarahole National Park, where an injured elephant calf received treatment after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advocated for action. Gubbi argues that natural deaths provide essential nutrients to the ecosystem, improving soil fertility and supporting scavenger species like vultures and hyenas.

Gubbi’s appeal highlights concerns that recent interventions, such as the treatment of a critically injured tiger in Bandipur National Park, may inadvertently harm the animals, as demonstrated by the tiger’s death while being relocated. The letter calls for a more scientific approach to wildlife management, allowing natural processes to unfold without unnecessary human interference.

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