By curbing irresponsible behaviour and promoting respect for wildlife, Odisha aims to safeguard its rich biodiversity and prevent tragic incidents involving tourists and wild animals.

Those caught engaging in this ‘illegal activity’ could face arrest and be liable for up to seven years of imprisonment. (Photo Source: X)

New Delhi: In a conservational move to protect wild animals and uphold wildlife laws, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife) in Odisha, Susanta Nanda, has issued a stern warning to individuals seeking selfies or photographs with scheduled wild animals without prior permission. Those caught engaging in this ‘illegal activity’ could face arrest and be liable for up to seven years of imprisonment, according to Nanda.

In a letter addressed to divisional forest officers and deputy directors of key wildlife divisions, Nanda emphasised the negative impact of such actions on the natural habitat and behaviour of wild animals. Posting selfies with scheduled wild animals on social media not only disrupts their normal life cycle but also violates the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, he stated.

“It is seen that people are posting their photographs/selfies taken with scheduled wild animals on social media. Taking photographs/selfies with such wild animals not only disturbs the normal life cycle of these animals but is also a violation of the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” Nanda said in the letter.

Nanda stressed the importance of obtaining permission from forest officials before taking photographs of wild animals and highlighted the severe penalties under the law for unauthorised interactions with these species. To combat this issue, field officials have been instructed to raise awareness, display helpline numbers, and discourage individuals from engaging in such activities that endanger both wildlife and human safety.

The rise of wildlife selfies on social media platforms has raised concerns about animal welfare and conservation. By curbing irresponsible behaviour and promoting respect for wildlife, Odisha aims to safeguard its rich biodiversity and prevent tragic incidents involving tourists and wild animals.

Researchers have found that wild animals should never be pets, as they are not adapted to live in a domestic environment. However, social networks influence our consumption habits and photos showing a person with a wild animal increase the demand for acquiring that animal as a pet.

According to a study conducted to know the impact of the pictures of wild animals shared on social networks, it has been found that exercise can influence people’s perception of wild animals.

Researchers have stated that tourists need to be made aware of the impact their actions can have on biodiversity and animal welfare. It may seem that a simple photo does no harm, but tens of thousands of selfies with wild animals are uploaded to social media, and this does have a very important impact.