WHAT ARE WE DOING TO THE SUNDERBANS?
The Sunderbans is a cluster of Islands spread over an expanse of 3600 sq. Km, forming the largest expanse of littoral forests in the world. This unique expanse of nature is located towards the south of Bengal, and stretches over into Bangladesh as well. The word ‘Sunderbans’ literally means beautiful forest, and it is home to a myriad variety of animals, which are regularly being poached for illegal trade. The Sunderbans has, of late, become victim to the climate change patterns in the regions, as a result of Global Warming. Read on to know how this beautiful ecosystem of birds, beasts and trees is being systematically destroyed by our encroachment.
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris)
The most significant threat to the existence of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is the illegal trade of their skin, bones, and body parts to China. Their bones are used in drugs to treat Rheumatism, and their testicles are used in drugs for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. Do you think you could say NO to these drugs, which are freely available for purchase online?
The Cheetal (Axis axis)
The Cheetal (Spotted Deer) is a beautiful animal unique to some parts of the world. It is now in danger of being labelled with an ENDANGERED status by IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources). This animal is subject to regular poaching in the Sunderbans, for its meat.
The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
The Olive Ridley Turtle is already EXTINCT from the Sunderbans, and is still openly being poached on the coast of Orissa. Other likely causes of the death of this species are trawling, and boat collisions. Other causes include Global Warming, beach erosions and pollution of sea-water due to oil slick disasters.
The Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
Look at this animal carefully—many of you have not even come across the Mugger Crocodile, because it became extinct from the Sunderbans at the turn of this century, and it is hardly seen anywhere across the rest of India. This species of crocodile was unique to the Indian Sub-continent. Now, it is just a story and a picture....
The Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
Meet the Gangetic Dolphin. These creatures of the sea are mercilessly caught and killed for oil and meat. Their meat is used as liniment and as aphrodisiac. Poisoning of sea-water from industrial waste released into the sea is contributing to the dwindling numbers. This animal has been put on the list of THREATENED species in the RED DATA BOOK, prepared by the IUCN.
The other animals facing imminent danger of extinction include Estuarine Crocodile, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle and King Crabs. But the most disturbing is the list of animals, which are already EXTINCT: The hog deer, the water buffalo, Javan rhinoceros and single horned rhinoceros. It is time to act now, and make yourself be heard. Help generate awareness about burning environmental issues, of importance to you, on Twitter and/or Facebook. Have a voice? Make it count!
Take some time to watch the interesting video below. It is about how the Thai police is making a concerted effort to help protect the Tigers. We need more such efforts, if we are to salvage the environment:
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