October 2024 brought in the 70th edition of Wildlife Week in India. The theme “Protecting our Natural Heritage” resonated with wildlife conservation enthusiasts who keenly participated in events held to uphold India’s rich ecosystems. Annually celebrated from October 2-8, Wildlife Week focuses on spreading awareness regarding wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity. During this week, Wildlife SOS was a part of various activities and outreach events focused on educating stakeholders and the public about integral conservation efforts.
Delhi
Speaker Session at Hansraj College
Wildlife SOS was invited for ‘Wildlife Fiesta’ held at Hansraj College on October 3. The event, organised by ‘Haritima’, the Environmental Awareness Society of Hansraj College, in collaboration with Shristi Chetna, was attended by 200 students. Mr. Baiju Raj M.V., Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS, delivered a speaker session on “Shared Habitat – A Future of Coexistence and Conservation” that covereding the range of work Wildlife SOS does, including rescues, conservation efforts, and initiatives undertaken to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. In relation to the proposed theme, Mr. Baiju also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to ensure a harmonious coexistence with wildlife.
Awareness Session on Snakes at Gargi College
Kick-starting the Wildlife Week celebration on October 1, Wildlife SOS was invited by the Zoology Department of Gargi College to conduct an awareness session titled “Wildlife and Snakes”. The session was led by Mr. Wasim Akram, Director of Sustainability and Special Projects at Wildlife SOS, and saw a total of 200 participants including both students and faculty members. The participants shared their encounters with snakes in the campus and discussed common fears. Wildlife SOS stepped in to dispel prevailing myths regarding these reptiles, highlighting the difference between fiction and scientific facts. Additionally, Mr. Akram drew attention to the challenges faced by urban wildlife and the legal protections provided for snakes.
Himachal Pradesh
Human-Wildlife Coexistence Webinar with Himachal Pradesh Forest Department
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s Wildlife Wing celebrated Wildlife Week with a webinar on ‘Human-Wildlife Coexistence’ on October 7. The session was held at the Forest Headquarters in Talland, Shimla, with Shri K.K. Pant, IAS – Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) & Financial Commissioner (Appeals) as the special guest for the occasion. Mr. Wasim Akram, Director of Sustainability and Special Projects at Wildlife SOS, addressed a cohort of officials ranging from range officers to top executives representing each division of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
The webinar engaged officials and professionals in the field of wildlife conservation with discussions focusing on human-wildlife interactions. Mr. Wasim presented the various models used by Wildlife SOS in transforming conflict to coexistence, which includes the wildlife crime control initiative ‘Forest Watch’ and the Rapid Response Unit for rescue of wild animals. The impact of tourism on wildlife, both direct and indirect, was addressed, particularly the disposal of waste and its harmful effects on Himalayan brown bears in Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir
Tree Plantation at Dachigam National Park
The Wildlife Week celebrations in Jammu & Kashmir commenced on October 2 with a special programme organised by the Wildlife Protection Department of Jammu & Kashmir at the Dachigam National Park. Representatives of conservation organisations and forest officials were a part of the opening ceremony where Ms. Aaliya Mir, Education Officer and Programme Head of Wildlife SOS, proudly represented the organisation. The event was graced by the presence of Sh. Tawheed Ahmed Dewa (IFS), Regional Wildlife Warden as the Chief Guest, with Sh. Rashid Yahya Naqash, the Additional Wildlife Warden (Headquarters) serving as the Guest of Honour. The programme featured an inspiring oath-taking ceremony, where attendees pledged to preserve and protect the environment. This was followed by a plantation drive, “Ek Pedh Shahedoun Ke Naam”, which had participants plant trees that now stand with a signage bearing their names. The chief guest and guest of honour addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of Wildlife Week and encouraging students and other attendees to actively contribute to conservation efforts.
Clean-up Drive and Drawing Competition at Tral Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department conducted a clean-up drive on October 4 with local students at the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary in South Division. Around 80 enthusiastic students participated in the drive, reigniting their passion for maintaining clean surroundings, especially in wildlife-rich areas. Led by Ms. Aaliya Mir, Wildlife SOS’s Education Officer and Programme Head, the event not only motivated students to stand against littering, but also roused vibrant discussions around pollution and its impact on peaceful coexistence with wild animals.
A drawing competition was also held in which students showcased the diverse flora and fauna of Kashmir with creativity. Watching the children engage in these activities reaffirmed our efforts in nurturing a sense of responsibility in the next generation of conservationists.
Creative Displays in the North Division
In the North Division of Jammu & Kashmir, drawing and essay writing competitions were hosted by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Department on October 4. With the theme of “Wildlife Conservation through Coexistence”, the competitions encouraged young minds to explore and express their ideas on safeguarding nature. Nearly 80 senior students from Grades 7 to 10, representing local schools, participated. Prizes were awarded to the top performers, recognising their efforts and inspiring them to become future stewards of the environment.
Lecture on Human-Wildlife Conflict at Central University of Kashmir
In another exciting initiative, Wildlife SOS delivered a lecture on human-wildlife conflict at the Central University of Kashmir. On October 8, 2024, approximately 60 enthusiastic students from the PG Zoology Department came together to understand pressing issues that arise when human and wildlife interactions occur. Led by Ms. Aaliya Mir, Wildlife SOS’s Education Officer and Programme Head, the session highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence with wildlife. Participants engaged in rich discussion about understanding the behaviours of various species along with exploring mindful conservation strategies.
Prior to the lecture, a drawing competition was held for students to generate awareness about wildlife issues through artistic pursuits. Following the talk, a rally was conducted in Gandarwal village, where university students marched for a length of 2 km, holding up banners displaying messages to spread awareness within the community. By sharing knowledge about conservation challenges, we aim to inspire these students to emerge as future leaders in wildlife protection.
Maharashtra
Students Visit the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre
Over 8 different schools were invited to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) for an interactive tour where students gained insights into conservation efforts being carried out. The event was organised collaboratively by Wildlife SOS and the Junnar Forest Division, and involved students visiting the multi-speciality hospital where rescued animals are provided with urgent treatments.
October 4 saw the participation of 125 students from Dnyanmandir School Ale, Z.P. School Gawadewadi, R.P. Sabnis School Narayangaon, New English School Shiroli Bk., Vighnahar Vidyalaya Ozar, and New English School Hivare Kd. On October 8, a total of 116 students from New English School Lakhangaon and Navonmesh Vidyamandir Chakan were imparted with conservation education as well. The participants, joined by the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Sh. Smita Rajhans, Deputy Conservator of Forest Sh. Amol Satpute and Range Forest Officer Sh. Pradeep Chavan, engaged in an intense discussion around the rising human-leopard conflict situation.
The well-planned outreach programme was led by Mr. Mahendra Dhore, Wildlife SOS’s Project Manager at MLRC, and featured an educational tour of MLRC’s facilities, including the rescue centre and the wildlife hospital. Additionally, students explored local biodiversity through an interactive display stall of the Forest Department showcasing an impressive collection of indigenous seeds and bird feathers of over 50 bird species that can be spotted such as the Indian bustard, lesser florican, peafowl, spotted owlet, parakeet, shikra, and night heron.
Karnataka
Volunteering Activities with Christ University students
The Wildlife Week in Bangalore commenced with a visit from 21 students of the English Department of Christ University to the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) on October 3. The following day, another group comprising of 20 students from the same department visited the centre. Both batches enjoyed an immersive tour of the centre, learning about the resident animals, their rescue stories as well as the zero-waste practices followed at the facility.
The students participated in activities like making enrichments and hammocks for the sloth bears, and even rolled up their sleeves to clean the enclosures. The dedication with which they indulged in these activities highlighted their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of these animals. A fun gunny sack race to commemorate the Wildlife SOS Ele Earth Walk added to the merriment with medals being awarded to the winners! Having experienced the work that Wildlife SOS does for rehabilitated animals, the participants left with a reignited zeal for wildlife conservation.
Nature Walk at Bannerghatta National Park
A nature walk-cum-de-weeding session with the Northern Trust Company took place on October 5. Hosted in the serene surroundings of the Bannerghatta National Park, the session engaged over 30 participants that were introduced to the vibrant biodiversity of the area. Removal of unwanted plants was undertaken as an active effort to maintain the health of the park’s ecosystem, effectively informing the participants about invasive species. This event incorporated a balance of practical and educational efforts needed for wildlife conservation.
Cleanathon at the Bannerghatta National Park
For Wildlife SOS Ele Earth Walk as well as Wildlife Week, a successful cleanathon was organised on October 6 with members of the Northern Trust Company. Around 300 participants joined forces for a clean-up drive, dividing into smaller groups to tackle various sections of the Bannerghatta National Park surrounding BBRC. Armed with gloves and trash bags, the participants diligently collected litter and plastic waste lying in the area to ensure that the park remained a safe and beautiful habitat for wildlife. This tremendous effort made a significant impact on maintaining the health of the park’s ecosystem, and showcased community spirit that is essential for effective conservation efforts.
An important aspect of wildlife conservation lies in spreading awareness through practical engagement. Wildlife SOS conducts various sessions throughout the year as a means to create awareness about wildlife conservation. We invite you to engage with our team of experts and help make a difference in protecting our precious wildlife. Reach out to us at education@wildlifesos.org.
