PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was instituted to protect wild animals from human cruelty. Due to the increase in the human population and consequent over utilisation of resources, the conflict between humans and wild animals continued to increase. Humans captured more and more land to settle civilisations, thus lessening green areas for animals to reside in. Apart from taking away their habitat, humans increasingly engaged in hunting wild animals for trade, meat among others. As animal lovers, enthusiasts, researchers and veterinarians understood animal behaviour, they realised that wildlife was not meant to interact with humans. They are different from domestic animals and prefer living in the wilderness. To protect animals from humans and to maintain ecological balance and peace, the act was instituted which made hunting, poaching, trading and occupation of reserved areas illegal and punishable by offence.  Let's dive into understanding a few of these schedules and laws that...

The Indian Pond Terrapin, also known as the Indian Black Turtle is a medium-sized still-water species widely found in India and several neighbouring countries.  In cities, one can find them swimming or basking on rocks in our local lakes. As one of the key species in wetlands, the presence of these turtles can indicate a healthy lake ecosystem due to their consumption of carrion among other species. These little helpers are however facing a threat with dwindling lakes in the city. With only a handful of wetlands left in the city, urbanisation is rendering several wild animals homeless and eventually push them to the brink of being yet another addition to the endangered species list. As a wildlife rescue and conservation centre operating in Bangalore, PfA has rescued nearly 200 Pond Terrapins to date. Rescued for causes of displacement, illegal captivity, illegal pet trade and road accidents, these reptiles must survive against all odds. With 25 years of wildlife veterinary experien...