Wildlife conservation activists have urged the Forest department to refrain from unnecessary capture of wild animals, such as tigers, leopards, and elephants, in response to pressure from local residents.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, and the Chief Wildlife Warden, they pointed out that wild animals were unable to move freely within their natural habitats, even at night. They also highlighted the scarcity of food and drinking water within forest areas. The appeal followed an order to sedate and capture a healthy tiger in Wayanad.
Conservation experts noted a growing trend of capturing animals that attract public attention, which hinders their ability to roam freely.
Calling for long-term measures, the activists stressed the need to strengthen eco-development committees and forest protection committees along forest boundaries through greater public participation to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
S. Guruvayoorappan, wildlife researcher and former social scientist at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, cautioned in the letter that the indiscriminate capture of wild animals could lead to the depletion of forest resources and result in serious environmental and social consequences.
Published – December 18, 2025 12:55 am IST
