There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(04-17-2016, 09:59 PM)brotherbear Wrote: Shardul, I am happy that their prediction was wrong. To lose what I personally consider to be earth's greatest terrestrial predator would be a most terrible tragedy.
Brotherbear, people have been making such predictions since the last 4 decades, only to be proven wrong every time.
I am sure the person who wrote this in 2010 was never asked how he came to this conclusion. I am also sure no one is going to ask him why his prediction didn't come true. But his post served its purpose. It must have made people angry at that time. But at whom? The very people who work to save the tiger.
And this is why I have a problem with such doomsday predictions. They don't do anything other than making people angry at the forest department and government, making them believe they are not doing anything to protect tigers. As a consequence of such a thought, people started abusing the forest guard who was killed by the tiger t24 in Ranthambhore, because, in their mind, those forest guards aren't doing their job. These same guards risk their lives day in & day out to protect the animal we all love, and you know how much they are paid for this? less than 200 dollars/month. Yes, that is their monthly salary.
Such predictions work because most people have a memory of a goldfish. They do not have a mind of their own and will simply lap up any ridiculous information they are provided. And people who do not do anything for tiger conservation, criticize those who do.
Some people might say this creates awareness and a sense of urgency, but I beg to differ. Awareness didn't stop poaching of tigers, elephants, rhinos and countless other species. It's only a select few people who did and still do, and it is our duty to support them.