What are your favorite animals?
The narrative describes a personal experience in Corbett National Park, highlighting the thrill of encountering wildlife, particularly a tiger. It emphasises the deep bond between humans and animals, advocating for respect and care for all living beings. The text also addresses misconceptions about animals, underscoring their value in ecosystems.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article reflects on a personal experience with wildlife in Corbett National Park, emphasizing the thrill of encountering a tiger.
- It discusses the deep bond between humans and animals, advocating for respect and care for all living beings.
- Misconceptions about animals and their value in ecosystems are addressed throughout the narrative.
- Domestication has created emotional bonds, with some animals serving various purposes for humans.
- Ultimately, the text highlights the importance of respecting and nurturing the interconnectedness of all life in the ecosystem.
Introduction
After a downpour of yesterday night, the morning became pleasant and romantic. Silhouetted hills in the foreground, streaks of mist and thick verdurous ambience boiled down to a poetic scene. The sun was gradually rising up in the sky dreanching everything with its golden hue. The forest around was calm and serene. The rippling sound of the Ramganga river added a musical tone to the silent forest ambience. Intermittently, a call of peacocks and the chirp of small birds broke the silence. Activities in the vibrant Corbett National Park had started pacing. Soon after having tea and light snacks, the forest excursion started on an elephant back.
Mesmerising
The elephant was crossing knee-deep, cold, and limpid Ramganga. The thrill gradually mounted as the elephant ventured into “Chaur” (flat) amidst tall elephant grass. The lull suddenly broken by repeated calls of deer. The environment became tense and quiet. A herd of alert and cautious deer was watching in a direction. Experienced Mahout cautioned.
(1) A tiger in the open
A tiger emerged from behind the tufts of bushes after a brief suspicion. Standing in a peculiar posture barely a few feet away, it growled and whipped its tail. Incredibly, a graceful and regal animal in its natural environment was face-to-face! It was a mesmerising moment. The tiger mocked to pounce and then sat down. It yawned and looked around. Its long canines shone as it yawned. Occasionally, it normally growled. The majestic beast obliged spectators with its royal presence for quite some time. Eventually, it rose and disappeared in the thick of elephant grass, leaving all awestruck.
(2) Electrified ambience
The presence of the wild tiger had electrified the surroundings. Terror struck, and the petrified animals changed their behaviour. They quickly run away from the slight flick of danger. Wild animals add glamour and colour to the jungle and ecosystem. Their cyclical activities make them unique. These activities position them as watchdogs, strengthening the natural cycles’ continuity.
(3) Top of food chain
Wildlife and forests are important for a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Tigers are at the top of the food chain. It epitomises valour, courage and strength. Elites and kings considered tiger hunting a valiant and brave act until the colonial period ended. After independence, hunting was in practice for a long. It caused their shrinking population. Superstitious belief in making medicines from their organs caused large-scale poaching of tigers. It is heartening that with persistent efforts, their count is progressively rising. The tiger population in India is about 3682 and counting. (Tiger population in India)
Domestication of animals
Ever since their preliminary time, humans befriended and tamed various docile animals, not wary of humans. These animals felt safe and found an easy way to get shelter and food. The mutual symbiotic behaviour of humans and animals led them to come closer, starting domestication. (Britannica)
(1) Domestication for a purpose
Some animals developed emotional bonds and proved themselves good friends, while others, though domesticated, are not very attached. The former group of animals include dogs, while the latter includes cats. Cattle, horses, elephants, poultry, pigs, goats, and fish are animal groups domesticated for various purposes.
(2) War animals
Animals like elephants, horses and even Mongoose are also docile and used by humans for various purposes. They were trained as war animals to be used in wars.
(3) Affectionate reciprocity
Humans domesticated animals chiefly for food requirements, household jobs, or specialised purposes like tilling fields and collecting foodstuffs. They also use them in wars, for watching, and guarding. The domesticated animals show a heartening gesture towards human beings. They have seen sacrificing their lives to save humans. Dogs, elephants, horses and cattle often show affection and love towards humans and try to reciprocate it. There are a plethora of stories and incidents illustrating their kind behaviour.
(4) Loyalty of a dog
One such incident of exemplary courage was shown by a sniffer dog, “Phantom”. It successfully stopped terrorists and saved his troop in October 2024 despite being severely injured. In another incident, the pet dog of the late Ratan Tata sat beside his body. These are the heart-wrenching stories of animals and their deep affinity to human beings.
Human-animal synergy
Humans, animals and plants are intertwined components of a vast system, the ecosystem. It would be difficult for humans to survive without the active cooperation of animals and plants.
(1) Eternal relationship
The human and animal relationships are eternal. From ancient times, people have been making connections with nature and its components, including plants and animals. Animals, especially deer and birds, used to visit an antediluvian hermitage, making them colourful and dynamic.
(2) Cute and friendly
The cute and friendly animals are accommodating and loving. They do not expect much but love, affection and care from us. Elephants are intelligent and accommodating animals. A few of them stand guard on the jungle road. They demand sugarcane and bananas from passing traffic as their “tax”! People respect and reciprocate their gesture. It is mutual respect and understanding that harmonises life through close interaction.
Materialistic outlook
The materialistic society used to think and act in terms of monetary value. Calculation of profit or loss is the linchpin of like or dislike. A plant or animal is economically not viable until satiate the human need. It distinguishes humans from an animal or plants.
(1) Benefits outweigh
In materialistic terms, it’s important to note that the amount of oxygen a plant gives during its lifetime is significant. Likewise, a service rendered by a domesticated animal can surpass monetary gains. The services are priceless.
(2) Prudence is expected
Every individual needs to be respected. Humans are intelligent, so prudence is expected. Respecting privacy, safety and protection of animals and plants is essential. It would be reciprocated. The term “man-animal conflict” expresses the sentiment of insecurity of humans. Reflection that animals often harm humans is biased and unfounded. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of a Mongoose and a farmer.
(3) A Fable
A long time ago, there lived a farmer in a remote village. He was a happy-go-lucky man and lived happily with his wife and a toddler. The family had a Mongoose as a pet, which used to play and entertain them. Once the couple was working in their field, and their toddler was sleeping in the house. They saw Mongoose happily coming towards them. The gush of suspicion flashed, and the farmer badly hit the poor animal. Entering the house, they find a mutilated, deadly cobra near the baby, who was still sleeping. It did not take long to comprehend the whole scene. Realising the blunder, the heartbroken farmer became remorseful.
(4) Moral of the story
The fable illustrates the feelings of mute animals not gifted with the power of reasoning and articulated speech. They have a heart full of compassion and love for humans. Animals usually avoid humans and seldom harm them, until they feel threatened. Their brain is incapable of reason except for linking something with something. A safe distance, never provoke them to attack. The snakes, for example, have very small brains and feeble eyes. They can’t think of taking revenge or stalking a human with a vicious intention. It is a superstitious idea that does not hold water.
In the end
Every organism needs privacy, personal space, security and food. Animals are also living beings. They ought to be treated with respect, care and caution. Animals are beneficial to humans. They help control pest populations, remove vectors, help in cleaning, detoxify the environment and give companionship. An advanced group of animals, especially mammals, often develop a bond with humans. They reciprocate feelings. It is humane to love animals, plants and everything that Mother Nature offers. Human beings are duty-bound to respect, care and love Nature and concinnate its elements. This is a sustainable way of survival.
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