Randeep Hooda criticizes Kerala government's move to control tiger population
What's the story
The Kerala State Assembly's recent suggestion to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has sparked a controversy.
The proposed changes include allowing chief conservators of forests to permit the killing of dangerous wild animals, declaring wild boars as 'vermin,' and controlling wildlife reproduction.
The proposal has been strongly opposed by actor and animal activist Randeep Hooda, who is preparing a petition against it.
Actor's perspective
'The only population that needs control is humans'
An avid wildlife photographer, Hooda was dismayed at the Kerala government's suggestion to impose birth control measures on tigers.
He stressed that tigers are already an endangered species and their numbers have increased after decades of conservation.
"The only population that needs control is humans, not tigers," he told Mid-Day.
Advocacy
Hooda advocates for wildlife protection over population control
Hooda, who has often used his celebrity status to bring attention to animal issues, is planning to petition the Kerala government against this proposal.
He feels wildlife protection and coexistence should come before population control.
"Instead of focusing on reducing the population of an endangered species, we should work toward creating a safer environment for them," he said.
Real threats
Hooda highlighted real threats to wildlife
Hooda further said that "encroachment, poaching, and habitat destruction" were the real threats to wildlife.
He stressed that these problems require immediate action, not controlling their numbers.
His position resonates with several wildlife conservationists and animal rights activists who claim that the proposal ignores the urgent problem of forest degradation.
Notably, a recent hike in human-animal conflict and rise in attacks by wild boars led to the state government's decision.