Purchase of wildlife products will encourage poaching: Expert

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The Chief Wildlife Warden (WWW) of Tamil Nadu urged the public not to buy any wildlife products on Thursday. “This would greatly encourage poaching,” said CWW Rakesh Vasisht while inaugurating a coastal environment protection event at a private college in Adyar.

While interacting with school students, he reiterated the need for them to understand the vast bio diversity of the state. He also promised to take 20 students to the Gulf of Mannar for an eco-trip.

While pointing out the lack of awareness on coastal environmental protection, he said, “The land and sea are interconnected and any imbalance on either side will have a profound impact on the other.”

Environmentalists who were present also stressed on the need for conserving the coastal ecology, particularly sea cows.

“The population of sea cows is fast dwindling; we need immediate measures to protect this endangered species from poachers. Both flora and fauna are facing disturbances due to human activities,” said retired scientist Mr P. Dhandapani. He also urged students to be aware of various factors influencing climate change.