Stop the Hunting of Wildlife in India

Desert ecosystems being unique for their climatic conditions hold distinct flora and fauna, evolved and adapted to combat harsh conditions. As an update on our project, addressing hunting of the Indian spiny-tailed lizard in the adjoining areas of Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu, Rajasthan over 196 villagers were surveyed. It was brought to notice that half of the communities were aware of the lizard and its hunting practices for both oil and meat consumption.

The lizards voraciously feed on the abundant available resources and gain weight, making them suitable targets for hunters of tribal communities Meena, Bavari, and Bheels. Through this project, a local informer group has been set up to aid in monitoring hunting patterns and keep vigil of ongoing activities. In addition to this, to help sensitize the future generations on spiny-tailed lizards and Indian wildlife awareness programmes were conducted. A total of 241 students and 50 teachers participated from five schools in the district. As mentioned, apart from hunting practices, the lizards were severe victims of road kills in the area. Three main roads and several minor paths passed through the prime habitat of the species killing over 78 individuals in just a span of four months. To tackle this challenge, formal meetings were held with over 500 villagers including village heads and Municipal committee Chapar to ensure alternate routes away from breeding areas of spiny-tailed lizards were immediately adopted. Suggestions were also given to the Chairman of Municipal Committee of Chappar who agreed to the need for speed breakers in the roads.

Also, signages on species conservation are installed near breeding areas to make people aware of the species habitat and threat vehicles pose. During the course of this project, a new challenge that came into light was the issue of stray dogs in the area. The lack of control over their population has begun to put not only spiny-tailed lizards but also grazers such as blackbuck, nilgai, and chinkara in threat. We would like to thank Global giving and other donors to help us stand up for this cause. With more animals being hunted every day it gives us a great responsibility to at least try providing such cryptic species a safe home ground to survive.

The mighty Thar Desert, Rajasthan, in the North western part of India covers a vast expanse of area, which hosts diversified habitat and ecosystems sustaining diverse and ‘hardy’ wildlife species. Amongst the Protected Areas (PA) in this region, Tal Chhapar sanctuary is located in the Churu district. Initially managed as a private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Bikaner, the sanctuary came into existence in 1962. Named after a small village named Chappar, and a distinct flat saline terrain locally referred as "Tal", the sanctuary is a strong holds for an array of wildlife ranging from BlackBuck- India’s fastest and most graceful antelope , Desert fox, Desert Cat, Chinkara and endangered Indian Wolf. Also called as “Raptor Paradise” it is the breeding home for migratory birds like Laggar falcons, Harriers, Buzzards and Eagles. The sanctuary and its surrounding also boasts to harbor good populations of the highly endangered Spiny Tailed Lizard (S. Hardwickii), the only herbivorous lizard species in India.

Spiny Tailed Lizard, locally called as “Sanda” have a characteristic fat tail with distinctive tail whorls of spiny scales which give the lizard its name. Being cold-blooded, they hibernate through winter before which they prepare by feeding more and fattening their tail, which enables it to survive the long winter months. Sadly this beautiful unique reptile is largely hunted by locals for their characteristic fat tail in the belief that the oil extracted from it is an aphrodisiac/ contains medicinal value. It is also traded illegally in domestic and international markets because of this reason. Many traditional myths are also prevalent in the region, which makes the locals kill the species upon sighting.

To ensure protection of this species from the verge of local extinction, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with the benevolent support of GlobalGiving has taken steps to reduce hunting in one of the major breeding grounds outside Tal Chappar. In the month of February, after winters once the lizards emerge out of their burrows to feed and breed a baseline survey was undertaken to know the hunting strategy and local attitude towards the species. Locals from all age group were observed to engage in attempting to hunt the species. Thus, it was extremely important to sensitize the entire target group about the species and encourage them to slowly reduce hunting. Many consultative meetings were carried out with the locals residing in close proximity to the site. An emphasis was made to make children aware of nature and the wildlife diversity around their home especially focusing on Spiny Tailed Lizard. Awareness programmes were conducted in five neighbourhood schools for students of Middle and High school. Zahurdeen Maniyar, Principal of Anuvrt Bal Bharti School Chappar speaking in reference to our activities said, “We wish to conduct more such awareness activities for all students in the upcoming year as it is important for the future generations know the importance of such lesser known species and feel the pride of having them found only in their birthplace”.

Apart from hunting, a major threat to the species was found to be road kills, on the village roads. As per data collected, till date 28 road kills were recorded. To address this new threat, the team met with the village heads and concerned government officials and highlighted the issue. Several steps were proposed which the stakeholders welcomed. Mr. Mahaveer Prasad Khatik, President of Muncipality, Chappar exclaimed,” We will be more than happy to adopt alternate roads suggested by WTI that are away from the breeding ground to reduce road kills”. Regular meetings were also held with the landowners of these private lands to involve them in installing signages, spreading awareness about the species and prevent any further road hits.

Such initiation from the local people is a positive sign for us, in our conservation efforts to protect the lesser known yet vital species. We hope to continue this work, through your continued support.