India’s carnivore research is placing a disproportionate focus on larger, more popular species, resulting in a knowledge gap concerning smaller, lesser-known carnivores. This lack of understanding is posing significant obstacles to conservation efforts. The importance of carnivores to the ecological balance cannot be overstated as they dominate the food web and are vital in maintaining the stability of ecosystems. Yet despite their significance, carnivores remain among the world’s most threatened mammals, causing concern regarding their future survival.
India’s Carnivore Conservation Status
Remarkably, India is home to 23% of the global carnivore population, encompassing 60 diverse species. However, a study of academic literature published over the past seven decades has shown that research on these charismatic species has had a less than satisfactory impact on their conservation status. Much of this literature focuses on the wild cat family, particularly tigers, alongside species such as the Indian leopard, golden jackal, dhole, and jungle cat. In contrast, research on smaller, less impressive carnivores tends to be of lower quality.
Research Impact on India’s Carnivores
Scientific research has greatly benefited larger carnivores. Studies on tigers, for example, led to Project Tiger’s establishment in 1973, resulting in tiger reserves being set up in 50 locations across India. These same studies have provided evidence against highway construction or expansion through tiger habitats. Research data also challenged the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project as it would submerge much of the Panna Tiger Reserve’s core area in Madhya Pradesh. The study of the Indian leopard has resulted in national guidelines on human-leopard conflict mitigation.
The Importance of Research on Smaller Carnivores
Studies on smaller and less charismatic carnivores are crucial. They aid in understanding the link between these predators and their ecological communities, which extends to affecting human sustenance. Small cat carnivores perform key ecological roles such as controlling pest and disease-carrying rodent populations, dispersing seeds, and maintaining forest ecosystems. For instance, civets disperse seeds and help in sustaining forest ecosystems.
Challenges in India’s Carnivore Research and Conservation
Several challenges currently hinder carnivore research and conservation in India. Wetland conservation is not prioritized, and grassland ecosystems, home to critically threatened species like the caracal, are often ignored. There has been a decline in natural history studies, fundamental in understanding species ecology. This is exacerbated by the reduction in journals publishing such studies. Policies are often influenced by politics rather than scientific evidence. The lack of interdisciplinary studies in carnivore literature is an obstacle to creating socio-ecologically sensitive policies. Bureaucratic hurdles also impact non-governmental organizations and independent researchers.
Improving Carnivore Conservation in India
Several steps can improve carnivore conservation in India. Firstly, funding for research on smaller and less charismatic carnivores needs to be increased to ensure their habitats’ protection within India’s conservation policies. Interdisciplinary research incorporating the involvement of local communities can promote socio-ecologically sensitive policies. Existing frameworks, such as biodiversity heritage sites under the Indian Biological Diversity Act (2002) or community reserves under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), can help maintain socio-ecological systems by fostering local stewardship and democratizing carnivore research.
