Pune: Forest department takes action against citizens filming and feeding wildlife

The forest department’s Pune division has begun taking action against those who feed wild birds and animals and post videos about it on social media.

Last week, the forest department identified people involved in 7-8 cases after receiving three complaints about such activities. It was discovered that these individuals lived in Warje and Kothrud.

When questioned, the individuals stated that they were unaware of any such rule. The forest department sent them notices last Tuesday.

Deepak Pawar, assistant conservator of forest in Pune, told TOI, “After learning that people were unaware of the rules and the impact of their feeding on animals, we decided to launch an awareness campaign about it. People should not approach wild animals, pet or feed them, or post photos of them on social media”.

There are no strict rules governing the handling and keeping of wild animals elsewhere, but in India, petting, feeding, and repeated interactions with wild animals are illegal under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The prohibited actions include feeding different birds on a daily basis, such as parrots, mynas, and dhanes, photographing various types of snakes and pythons, photographing bravery by necking snakes, and photographing and filming them cuddling or holding them.

“Feeding wildlife is governed by various laws aimed at protecting wildlife from human interference and ensuring their conservation under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Section 11 of the act forbids actions such as beating and capturing wildlife without a permit from the appropriate authorities.

“Feeding wildlife can be interpreted as a form of beating because it can alter natural behaviors and potentially create reliance on humans for food,” said Aditya Paranjape, a wildlife warden.