Where’s my refund? I didn’t see a tiger!

Nature tourists need a change in attitude and follow protocol, say conservationists

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awareness: Visitors need a code of conduct that respects wildlife while also ensuring our safety

Bangalore: It is that time of year when holidaymakers pack their bags and hit the road, many headed to wildlife parks seeking an antidote to the manic bustle of city life.

But do we, in our quest for a wildlife experience, always remember to follow “visitor protocol” — or a code of conduct — that respects wildlife while also ensuring our safety? Apparently not, according to members of Kenneth Anderson Nature Society (KANS), who have initiated a visitor/ safari awareness programme at Nagarhole National Park this vacation season.

There is a dire need for awareness among visitors to parks and sanctuaries — be it about being conscious to animal behaviour, being sensitive to their habitat or appreciative about less-known species in the wild, believes Hari Somashekar, Founder Member and Director of Publicity and Awareness, KANS.

One of the most frequent — and frustrating — demands of nature tourists is to “show them a tiger,” says Mr. Somashekar. “Tourists, in fact, routinely ask the Forest Department for a ‘refund’ if they do not sight one!” What visitors do not realise is that tigers are solitary, nocturnal and instinctively shy of humans. “Clearly that means that tiger (and other wildlife) sightings are just a matter of luck.”

Dos and don’ts

And so as part of their awareness programme, being conducted with the support of Karnataka Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (India), KANS organises lectures about less-known species such as dholes, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer and leopard cats, in order to create interest in other fascinating inhabitants of the 640 km sq Nagarhole National Park.

But most importantly, their pamphlets enumerate a commonsense list of do’s and don’ts while inside a national park or sanctuary: do not litter as animals are known to die feeding on it; do not smoke, it increases the chance of forest fires; switch off mobile phones if you do not want to scare away your sighting; and at all times stay within your vehicle if you do not want a dangerous encounter with an elephant or carnivore.

If KANS is concerned about visitor conduct in parks and sanctuaries, the city’s birdwatchers are troubled by a new breed of “trophy” photographers whose desire for that perfect shot often puts birds and nesting sites at risk. “I have had reports of vehicles crisscrossing around Hessarghatta Lake in search of ground-nesting birds to shoot,” said ornithologist S. Subramanya.

“At Ramadevarabatta, similarly we have droves of photographers flocking around nesting sites of long-billed vultures.” When disturbed birds may keep away from their nests, leaving chicks hungry or vulnerable to predators, he explained.