Only 3% of India's land surface is classified as a Protected Area. It is no surprise, therefore, that large populations of megafauna, including wolves, elephants, leopards and even lions, are found outside wildlife sanctuaries. Human wildlife conflict is inevitable. To counter this, a private-public model, much like what exists in the African continent, is required to protect India's wildlife. One such example if the Save Animal Intiative in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. Touted as India's first private wildlife sanctuary was founded by Dr. Anil Kumar Malhotra and his wife, Pamela Malhotra in 1991. What started as 55 acres sanctuary has expanded to over 300 acres. The sanctuary is now home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur and various species of hornbills.
In Episode 9, I talk to cofounder, Pamela, about the history of this sanctuary and how the couple bought and restored degraded agricultural land into pristine tropical rainforest. We also discuss the the potential of private public partnership, the future for ecological restoration and rewilding in India and associated challenges..
Interview 9: Creating India’s First Private Wildlife Sanctuary with Pamel Malhotra