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Tiger Air-Lift: Kerala's Wild Idea
17 Jul
Summary
- Kerala proposed using Air Force helicopters for animal translocation.
- This initiative aims to reduce stress and risks during animal movement.
- Carrying-capacity studies are sought to guide future wildlife relocations.
Kerala has proposed a unique conservation strategy involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) to airlift Schedule I animals, including tigers and leopards, from conflict zones to secure forest habitats. This aerial translocation aims to mitigate the challenges posed by Kerala's rugged terrain and fragmented road network, which make ground transportation stressful for animals and risky for personnel.
The proposal seeks the Centre's assistance, ideally at concessional rates, for this emergency measure. While aerial translocation is a recognized global conservation tool, its application for relocating problematic animals within state boundaries is unprecedented in India. This initiative prompts discussions on its practicality and cost-effectiveness.
To support such decisions, Kerala has requested carrying-capacity studies from leading institutions. The state government has received a positive response from the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding both the aerial translocation proposal and the need for scientific studies. This move could prevent the killing of animals by facilitating relocation to areas with lower populations.
However, conservationists raise concerns about the ecological and economic viability of this approach in Kerala's context, citing differences in landscape and human population density compared to regions where such methods are employed. The complexities of finding suitable re-wilding sites and the potential challenges with larger animals like elephants are acknowledged, alongside the significant logistical and financial coordination required.
