Preserving Nature

Dixya Poudel 

It was a proud moment for Nepal when the news surfaced that it has nearly tripled its tiger population in 2022. Now there are 355 tigers in Nepal, a fact that speaks for itself. It was in 2010 when Nepal committed to doubling its tiger population within a decade and now it has reached its goal quite successfully.

Nature is certainly bewildering. It has species that aren’t just mesmerising and unique to look at but also work in tandem to balance the ecology which has become quite precarious as of late. Among animals, species are classified into two groups: vertebrates (those animals with backbones) and invertebrates (those animals without backbones). Among the vertebrates there are five well-known classes such as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. 

Likewise, examples of invertebrates include poriferans, cnidarians, echinoderms, mollusks, annelids and arthropods. Then there are plants species which number to about 400,000. Among birds, there are 11,000 species. Thus, the world is filled with wonders when it comes to its flora and fauna which inspire awe in people while also boosting tourism.

As humans are the only rational species, it falls upon them to safeguard the planet’s wildlife, not rampantly encroach upon it as is the norm today. The flora and fauna are quite helpless as they are subject to human kind’s cruel encroachment. One can hear of animals being poached or hunted for sport. Animals such as elephants, wildcats, rhinos, etc. are sought for their tusks, skins, horns respectively. 

Similarly exotic birds are caught and caged as they fetch large sums of money. Plants are further destroyed due to reckless deforestation. Instead of protecting the ecosystem that is today treading a thin line between conservation and destruction, humans have been exploiting nature for their own selfish and self-seeking purposes. 

As more and more wildlife and aquatic species are under threat due to climate related disasters and consequences, it has become imperative to protect such species. It has come to news that the tortoise species in Florida are mostly reproducing females due to the warmer climate. Female tortoise makes nests in the sand and the temperature of the sand determines whether the eggs are female or male. It is causing alarm among biologists who are worried over the continuation of tortoise species in Florida. 

Millions of years ago, the earth had species such as dinosaurs, saber-toothed tiger, mammoths, Tasmanian tigers, etc. Now we can only see them in computer generated graphics on the silver screen. It can be taken as a warning. The world must act fast so that the species that exist today won’t just be relegated to silver screen in the near future for the generations to come.

Just as people today will never encounter a bird called Carolina parakeet, future generations could be deprived of many species that are currently known to be endangered. Thus, it is an obligation for the world today to preserve natural life for the next generations which will inhabit this earth. 

History is a cause for caution. Natural world is beautiful to behold and it is also a source for life. Humans’ heedless activities however might result in their own tragic downfall. It is thus imperative that wildlife and aquatic life be preserved for the continuation of species which are vital for ecological balance.