Those who have worked in the field of lion conservation and has seen the number of lions and tourists in Gir said that a combination of factors may have led to the situation
The forest department has initiated an inquiry into the lion attack in Devaliya which killed a labourer and injured two others including a forester. Those who have worked in the field of lion conservation and has seen the number of lions and tourists in Gir said that a combination of factors may have led to the situation.
Manish Vaidya, a wildlife lover who has worked extensively in Gir said that it is very important to have knowledge of animal behaviour before anyone gets near a wild animal even if it is in a cage. "Wild animals even when they are caged are highly unpredictable. How a cat will react depends on several things including whether it is the mating season, whether it is a female with a cub that is feeling threatened or such," said Vaidya. He said often people who may have dealt with the animals a few times may get the misplaced confidence that 'they are able to read the animals'. "They often fail to predict the attack. It is very imperative that those who deal with animals closely are made to have a thorough understanding of animal behaviour," said Vaidya.
Another conservationist who has seen Devaliya and has worked in Gir said that many times the people hired by the forest department to work as drivers or labourers end up handling the animals. "They don't have the requisite experience. Many learn things on the job and are not necessarily given training in dealing with animals," he said. He further added that tourists are also to be blamed. "Even at Devaliya sometimes when the lions are released they often seek a remote place. While the tourists are not allowed to get down from the bus at Devaliya, they create so much ruckus that it ends up disturbing the animals which also annoys them," he said.
DIFFERENT OPINION
- Manish Vaidya, a wildlife lover who has worked extensively in Gir said that it is very important to have knowledge of animal behaviour before anyone gets near a wild animal even if it is in a cage.
- Another conservationist who has seen Devaliya and has worked in Gir said that many times the people hired by the forest department to work as drivers or labourers end up handling the animals.
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