Striking an equilibrium between conservation and hunting
Fishing is a norm all over the world and a vital part of our lives and economy, yet it falls under the category of “hunting.” However, since guns and bullets are not involved, fishing is not considered a social evil
While it has been largely disputed that hunting has benefited the host nations and wildlife in general, it would be vile if we look at it through a narrow perspective. Looking at both perspectives, for and against hunting, a better evaluation of the matter can be obtained.
Fishing is a norm all over the world and a vital part of our lives and economy, yet it falls under the category of “hunting.” However, since guns and bullets are not involved, fishing is not considered a social evil. Neither is there any threat to its population, therefore, there is no alarm over fish hunting.
Because there is no threat to its population, should fish hunting be considered acceptable? Conservationists consider it a key to get the right message across when discussing wildlife conservation so that people are able to connect with it in a more compelling way.
It stands to reason that selling licenses to native and foreign hunters is not necessarily undesirable. According to a research carried out by Kenya’s Mpala Research Centre (in which they interviewed 150 hunters), they discovered that the hunters were not alienated from social concerns. In fact, they showed greater concern for conservation than expected. For example, these hunters preferred not to hunt in localities where animals were illegally killed or localities which exceeded their allocated licenses. Certification of white rhinoceros hunting in South Africa promoted the private sector to bring back the white rhinoceros onto their properties, resulting in a growth of these species from some meager hundreds to 11,000 (after accounting for those killed as trophies). Similar success story was seen in the case of Zimbabwe’s elephants by exercising controlled and legitimate hunting. The area under wildlife management has now doubled as compared to the previously 13pc sheltered area under the government.
In order to manage the population, and diminish occurrences of unlawful and unwarranted shooting by native and foreign hunters, WWF-Pakistan suggests carrying out surveys for recording the number of birds in a specific area against the yearly population of birds, thus keeping in check the overall population of the birds. Other suggestions include not hunting in the breeding areas or the conservation areas; empowering the customs authorities regarding any irregularities against illegal wildlife trading; and development the habitat which is the most important in sustaining the population.
Another aspect for sustainability includes involvement of local communities in conservation of natural resources. The financial incentive is passed on to the local communities in terms of creation of jobs and development projects which ultimately help in conserving the natural resources. One of the local success stories includes Chiltan Markhor population in Hazar Ganji National Park. Population of this specieshas increased over the years. Houbara hunting through falconry in Pakistan is another form of sustainable hunting. The population of this wild bird is continues to be stable since the last two decades.
Another aspect for sustainability includes involvement of local communities in conservation of natural resources. The financial incentive is passed on to the local communities in terms of creation of jobs and development projects which ultimately help in conserving the natural resources
It is not difficult to strike an equilibrium between conservation and hunting, provided the frameworks and regularisations are strictly adhered to by both the hunters and the state.
