Long-term plan essential for protecting wild, aquatic life

VIJAYAWADA: AP’s principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Y. Madhusudhan Reddy has underlined the importance of long-term measures for protecting and conserving wildlife and aquatic animals, including whale sharks.

Participating in a webinar on “Protection and Conservation along AP Coast” to mark International Whale Shark Day here on Tuesday, the PCCF said sharks are the largest among all animals living both on land and water.

Pointing out that AP has the largest coastline of 974 km in the country, Madhusudhan Reddy said the state has three centres along the coastline for protection of wild and aquatic animals. Meat, skin and oil of whale sharks has huge demand in international market. Under the circumstances, he expressed concern over the threat they are facing from hunters.

The PCCF said AP forest department, Wild Animals Trust and East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem, have put in considerable efforts during last seven years for developing wild and aquatic animals. Awareness campaigns have been carried out among thousands of people living in 40 coastal villages. These people have also been helping in protecting and conserving aquatic life.

Madhusudhan Reddy said they are coming up with an action plan to mobilise additional funds by entering into agreements at national and international levels for protection and conservation of wild and aquatic life in the state.