A number of readers have written about the circumstances around the death of a tigress, Avni, in Maharastra, but what about the deaths of villagers? Many have been quick to say that the tigress attacked people because they encroached into tiger habitat. Nobody chooses to live on the outskirts of forests. They are forced to do so because of poverty and a lack of resources. It appears as if animal rights are more valued than human rights. Can we also spare a thought for the families of those affected?
Shahrukh Ali,
Kanpur
Aren’t we as people too a cause for turning the tigress into a dreadful man eater? Thanks to encroachment of forest and wildlife habitats, such incidents are bound to increase. Unless and until the State and the Central governments work together and plan meticulously to protect forests and species, it would appears there is not much hope left for Indian wildlife.
M. Pradyu Thalikavu,
Kannur, Kerala