That day, I was on my way home, feeling a bit surprised because I did not expect to see so many cars on the road. It was getting pretty dark, and usually, in the forest, no one stops unless there is a good reason. As I was passing through, I noticed a few vehicles that seemed to be almost at a standstill!
At first, I assumed that an elephant had passed by, which was why the vehicles had stopped. Then I glanced at the other side and saw a few deer peacefully munching on their dinner! Honestly, I was not very curious because I see them from time to time. They even visit our farm sometimes to nibble on the young paddy grass, so I have mixed feelings about them!
I did not stop the car. I simply drove on, taking a moment to reflect. I wondered why these people seemed so curious about seeing a few deer, while I had not felt that same curiosity. At first, I was fascinated too. I used to love watching their expressions, the way their ears pricked up at the slightest sign of danger, their innocent faces, and those adorable eyes. Whenever an alarm call sounds, they quickly dash into the forest, crossing the road in a group. I have rarely seen a single deer alone.
I have come to realise that many people around the world may never get the chance to see wild animals alive, especially in their natural forest homes. It is likely that only a few children have actually seen them in the wild, and for many, their only experience of seeing these animals is in a zoo. Unfortunately, these animals are kept in cages against their will, sometimes harmed, and placed in zoos mainly to show us that such animals exist. We often think we are being kind to them, but the reality is much more complicated.
After this episode, I had another conversation with a friend while passing through the forest. We saw hundreds of deer in front of a house, almost as if they were attending a rally or participating in a grand parade. I joked with him that political parties nowadays seemed to be short of people to participate in their strikes and protests. If they trained the deer, perhaps they could fulfil the parties’ requirements!
Then he told me why hunting was not allowed in these forests. He argued that it should be legalised so that the deer population could be reduced.
I looked at him angrily and said, “Maybe this is the biggest problem humans must be facing today. We have solved all the other problems we generally face. Now, only one problem remains: controlling the growth of wild animals in their own forests. Wow!”
The overcrowded animals in the forest! So, we must create a situation where we can kill them for our own pleasure! Great!
“Is the forest fire that humans are causing not enough?” I asked him, full of anger.
I did not stop there. I continued, “We often call it a forest fire, but in reality, most of these fires are caused by people! They do it to take over forest land, hunt game, and for various other reasons. Once the land is burned, it is difficult to reverse the damage. It is unfortunate, but those responsible often feel pleased and successful with what they have done.”
He then mentioned that there were not many tigers left in the forest nowadays. He believed that their numbers might gradually increase and that, eventually, they could become a threat to the forest itself. He brought this up casually, without any other motive behind his comments. He seemed to be making a gentle plea.
I responded with a soft, reassuring smile.
“It is true that maintaining a healthy ecosystem depends on the right biodiversity. Only then can it truly thrive. If we fail to maintain that balance, some species might dominate, and there may be nothing to stop them. That is why we should allow wild animals to live freely, so that species such as leopards and tigers can help maintain the natural balance.”
Yeah, right! Hunting animals to control their population would only create another disaster. I agree. Let humans deal with their own problems and find solutions to them.
Why should we interfere with the natural balance of the forest when we have already created so many problems of our own? Perhaps it is time we learned to coexist with nature instead of constantly trying to control it. The forest is not ours alone. It belongs to every living being that calls it home.
Good