Answering the Call of the Wild

Conservation biologist Deba Kumar Dutta's passion for the natural world and its inhabitants has led him to work in some of the most remote regions of the country. He has been involved with various projects on field research, behaviour studies of rhinos, and was also instrumental in establishing the rhino population in Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site

Deba Kumar Dutta is a conservation biologist with an interest in Indian rhino conservation, landscape ecology, human wildlife interactions, habitat management and community conservation.He is currently working as Landscape Coordinator of WWF-India. He was the first Indian to have a Doctorate degree on the research of translocated rhinos' behaviour and habitat preferences.

His passion for the natural world and its inhabitants has led him to work in some of the most remote regions of the country. He has been involved with various projects on field research, behaviour studies of rhinos, and was also instrumental in establishing the rhino population in Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site. He is also a SSC/IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group Member (2017-2023) and IUCN/Asian Rhino Specialist Group Accredited Rhino Monitoring Instructor.

Why did you choose to be a Wildlife Biologist and what are the risks associated?

I am more of a conservation biologist by nature and interest. The work I do is focused on addressing the impact of humans on biological diversity and developing practical approaches to secure the habitat and wildlife. This profession has a wide range of interests, and there are limitless opportunities to explore, which is why it is so appealing for me.

The nature of conservation biologist is multidisciplinary, and it is influenced by a variety of factors. As with limitless opportunities, risks are numerous. Hence a more inclusive approach is necessary to develop professionalisation of this career so that it reflects the full range of practitioners and needs increased recognition in regions and countries with high biodiversity.

When did you decide to work in the field of wildlife conservation and why?

Throughout my childhood, there has been an innate love of nature and wildlife. When I studied zoology in college / university, I conceptualised it. My first experiences were when I got involved in a few conservation-based NGOs as a volunteer,Eventually I turned it into a full-time profession from November 2007.

Tell us about the measures undertaken to spread awareness about conservation among rural people.

Conservation efforts require the active participation of local people where awareness plays a strong role. The true participation of locals may lead to more effective conservation. We are creating awareness on conservation issues in the rural areas through education, rallies, meetings, use of audio-visual tools, exposure learning, knowledge exchange, mass media communicationand social media. This is a regular event since starting this career I have been interacting with lakhs of people (age ranges from school children to octogenarians) in different parts of Assam.

Tell us about your journey so far with WWF.

WWF-India has been my workplace since November8, 2007 and I have completed 15 years in this versatile field. During my long career span, I have been fortunate to involve many in flagship programmes like Indian Rhino Vision 2020, Conservation Acres for Tigers, Transboundary conservation between India and Bhutan, Community conservation and many more. I also met many national and international personalities who have dedicated their life to wildlife and habitat conservation work. Currently I am leading Manas Landscape as Landscape Coordinator. I am also looking at WWF-India's rhino conservation work in the state.

Please let us know about the man-animal conflicts and mitigation measures in Northeast India (Special reference to elephants, tigers and rhinos).

Northeast comprising the Eastern Himalayas is considered to be one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots of the world. There are many endangered animals and plants thriving in this diverse habitat. As human population has increased, agriculture has expanded, development has increased and the fallout is that natural habitat has been reduced, resulting in conflict between humans and wildlife.

The elephant, tiger, snow leopard, jackal, wild dog, rhinoceros, buffalo, hog deer, wild pigs, monkeys, and different kinds of birds are often in conflict with human beings in this region. Conflicts between humans and elephants in North East India, however, are more serious and have become a major conservation concern. Only a united effort can provide a management solution. Some basic actions like legal protection of elephant habitat and movement corridors, forest land encroachment should be strictly monitored and prevented.Periodic monitoring of land use changes and forest cover, development activities must be implemented under strict scrutiny of ecological parameters. Further, regular conservation education involving local community, encouraging the use of non-lethal modern tools to prevent depredation, immediate payment of ex-gratia, measures to reduce forest dependency, extensive research to understand behaviour of the animal and its movement, special developmental packages for the people residing near protected areas are some of the short and long term management strategies to manage this issue.

What are the biggest threats to wildlife in the modern day? Are we lacking in something?

The major threat to wildlife is habitat loss, poaching and hunting, pollution, climate change and invasion of alien species in pristine natural habitat. The increased demand for energy, food, and other materials, particularly in the last 50 years, caused by rapid economic growth, population growth, international trade, and technological advancements, is directly responsible for biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystems and their services.

According to Living Planet report 2022 (WWF & ZSL) one million plants and animals are threatened with extinctions. 1-2.5 per cent of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fishes have already become extinct; population abundance and genetic diversity have been decreased and wildlife is losing climatically determined habitat.

There are many aspects of climate change and biodiversity loss that go beyond environmental issues, including economics, development, security, social, moral, and ethical concerns. Therefore, it is important to addressthe 17 United Nations sustainable development goals together.

To curb illegal wildlife trade umbrella organisations like International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICC WC) formed in 2010 consisting of five organisations: the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES), The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and the World Custom Organisation (WCO). This is a multifaceted approach in trying to prevent wildlife crime through capacity development as well as social and economic spheres.

International cooperation is necessary to curb this emergency situation and everyone has a role to play as our wellbeing health and economic future are critically dependent on biodiversity and natural system.

How doestranslocation helpin conservation and what are the risksassociated?

Translocation is the intentional release of the animal to the wild in an attempt to establish, re-establish or augment the population. Translocations have been used to establish the population of non-native species and restore native species extirpated due to poaching or hunting. Translocation processes have proved to be a valuable conservation method = both as a component of successful early restoration of animal communities and for assessing the extent of ecosystem dysfunction.

Species translocation is a remarkable experiment in evolutionary ecology and increasingly critical to biodiversity conservation. Translocation process involves tiny invertebrate, fishes, amphibian, reptiles, birds to larger mammals like elephant rhino, bison, tiger, lion, etc. Several plant species were also reintroduced under the process of translocation.

The risk in a translocation is multiple, affecting many ways focal species, their associated communities and ecosystem functions in both source and destination areas. Therefore, a proper plan is required to avoid disastrous consequences on any translocation process. Till 1990 the success and effect of translocation program were not well evaluated because there was rarely appreciable post-release monitoring. Since 1995 the post-release monitoring programmecarefully developed and documented in order to gain knowledge from strategies that succeeded or failed. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) established Reintroduction Specialist Group (RSG) in 1998. It was established to assist reintroduction practitioners in conducting animal reintroduction projects, worldwide.

The success of animal population restoration efforts depends in parts on clarification of both the normative and the technical components of translocation goals. According to assessment, 12 per cent of global translocation programmes were highly successful, 46 per cent were successful, and 36 per cent were partially successful with only a 6 per cent failure. Therefore, translocation should follow a logical process from initial concept to design, feasibility and risk assessment decision making, implementation, and evaluation.

European Bison reintroduction programme in Europe, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) reintroduction programme in North America, Golden Lion Tamarin in Brazil, Arabian Oryx (Oryx leocoryn)in Oman in 1980, Red Wolf recovery programme in Eastern North Carolina (USA) were some of the successful animal translocation programmes in the world.

Translocation has become a routine in a number of African rhino range states and has played a vital role in increasing both White and Black rhinoceros' numbers. The process of translocation has helped Africa's Southern White rhino's population to increase 10 times in recent past. Similarly, translocation has also played a key role in increasing black rhino numbers in major rhino range states in Africa.

In India, Tiger (Panthera tigristigris) translocation programme to Sariska Tiger Reserve from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve during 2008 - 2010 Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) translocation programme to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve during 2011 – 2012, Indian rhinoceros translocation programme from Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to Manas National Park during 2008-2021, Eastern Swamp Deer (Reucervusduvacuceliiranjitsinhi) from Kaziranga National Park to Manas National Park in 2014, Pygmy hog (Porculasalvania)reintroduction programme in Nameri National Park and Orang National Park in Assam are some successful translocation programmes to establish the population in the new ranging areas

A recent inter-continental Cheetah translocation programme from Namibia to Madhya Pradesh in India is another ambitious project of our country in respect to wildlife conservation. We are looking forward to seeing its post-translocation success through the animal's adaptability to its new home.

How can media contribute in the field of conservation?

Forest cover loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade are often mentioned in news reports. In order to ensure that everyone understands the problems and the reasons for them, news about these matters should be presented in a simple way. Media should also highlight the positive work done by people in relation to conservation across the world so that more and more people are inspired. General citizens must be made aware that a small section of people is working day and night for the conservation of wildlife. Not only in the government sector, non-government organisations, local communities and individuals are working hard in this field and the media should highlight them on a regular basis.

The general public should also be introduced to scientific research being done in various institutions using accessible language. People should be made aware of the implications for species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos due to habitat change and conservation, for instance. It's important to highlight the long-term impact that their existence has.

More research should be done on wildlife problems when reporting on them. It is necessary to conduct a good data analysis so that interactions and ground-level talks can identify a problem's true origin. Along with emphasising the work done on the ground, the humanistic side of the story needs to be told. These actions will encourage support for conservation efforts among the general public.

When problems are presented to the public, they shouldn't be generalised because problems and their underlying causes vary from place to place, season to season, and of course, animal to animal. Several areas of the Manas Tiger Reserves experience issues with elephants, while other areas experience issues with wild dogs and wild boars. Rabbits and peacocks are also known to cause damage to paddy cultivation near Manas National Park. But these problems almost never make their way to the people other than the victims and conservationists.

By connecting with research organisations, the media may highlight the background so that people are aware of the factors at work and how to address them. Furthermore, in order thatindividuals be aware of the causes for every incident, field study must be done. When discussing these delicate subjects with the public, the media must exercise greater responsibility.

How can our readers contribute?

Regardless of where you live, the public plays a vital role in conservation efforts. It is necessary to understand that how and why nature is changing. The 2022 global living planet index shows an average 69 per cent decrease in the relative abundance of wildlife population between 1970 and 2018. This is really alarming and needs immediate action. We cannot make an equitable world unless we conserve and restore biodiversity. Hence a rights-based approach is required which includes protecting local communities' rights to their land, freshwater resources, and oceans, as well as those of indigenous peoples. More volunteer services are also required from all sections of society. Finally, we need to deliver on a greater scale with greater urgency for our living planet and humanity. Without doing this we shall lose our battle.

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