Efforts needed for better coexistence between wild animals and humans

Mumbai, 28th January 2025: Modern India is an interesting combination of technological and infrastructural development and an ancient and holistic cultural ethos. Sustainable development and wildlife conservation are indispensable in this phase of fast growth, something that has been always advocated in our civilization. Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), engaged in capacity building, training and social research since 1982, has always encouraged pathbreaking discussion and brainstorming. In line with that tradition, an interactive session and felicitation of senior veterinarian and wildlife expert, Dr. Vinaya Jangle, for her great work in the field of conservation, was organized today. This short event took place at Knowledge Excellence Centre – RMP’s serene campus – in Uttan, Thane District.

Humans should learn to understand wild animals and their habitats
The objective of this event was to sensitize the audience about environmental conservation, while deriving inspiration from interesting information. This becomes all the more important as urbanization and infrastructure expands, and urban humans come in greater contact with wildlife. Dr. Jangle, while addressing the trainers, researchers and staff members of RMP present on the occasion, narrated her rich experiences of treating and studying wild animals. During her presentation, Dr. Jangle said that wild animals including Leopard and Elephant are sensitive and intelligent. For peaceful coexistence we too need to become sensitive towards nature. Humans need to protect habitats to protect wildlife.

Coexisting with leopards
Dr. Jangle gave the example of the Leopard, while emphasizing the need to understand wildlife and its habitat. She said, “Humans are not the natural prey of leopards. Man-eating leopard is a rare phenomenon arising out of specific circumstances such as illness. Otherwise, a leopard normally moving around at a place, a juvenile in search of new territory or a leopard that has lost its way, will not harm us unless provoked.” She narrated thrilling and insightful real-life stories of capturing and releasing into the wild, leopards that had strayed into human settlements in Dahanu, Bordi, Aarey Colony, National Dairy Development Board and Bhandup in Mumbai, Vasai Fort, Padgha in Bhiwandi and Ovala in Thane.

Dogs don’t proliferate if one doesn’t litter around and instances of leopards entering human areas in search of prey reduce. She mentioned the success story from awareness created in areas adjoining Borivali National Park, which was even appreciated by Jane Goodall. She also provided tips on things to do if Leopard enters human settlement. Her experiences of capturing and releasing into the wild, elephants that have migrated into Sindhudurg District, were also very interesting. The subsequent Q&A session greatly improved everybody’s understanding of nature.

Sanman Samvad initiative
RMP regularly organizes such refreshing felicitations and interactive sessions with experts from different fields under the Sanman Samvad series. Dr. Jangle was honoured by presenting a memento depicting Shivaji Maharaj’s emblem, Shawl, Tulsi sapling and a biography by RMP, as a token of appreciation. The event coordinated by Anil Panchal and Jaywant Shelar of RMP surely acclimatized the audience to the natural world, and will play a role in making them more responsible and eco-friendly in their behaviour.