They do not necessarily need us but we need them.
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Wildlife had a well-deserved rest |
What became completely apparent during the recent worldwide Covid-19 lockdowns is that wildlife would not miss us at all if humanity was to suddenly disappear or reduce drastically in numbers. Wildlife appeared to enjoy this brief hiatus from us finding they could wander freely, unhindered and safe from interruption. They quickly decided to invade our space instead of the other way round. There is probably a great irony somewhere in all this.
Of
course, it is a different story for companion animals who are so dependent on
us and have seen a lot more of their owners during this period and may be
shocked at normality again.
There
have been numerous news reports from all parts of the world of timid species
being emboldened to explore and venture into territory that was out of bounds
just weeks before because of less human activity and even roaming the urban areas. And road kills lessened
at an opportune time in many parts of the world for the spring breeding season.
There have already been reports of more hedgehogs in the UK this year.
Unfortunately
for them it may not take long for the normality to resume and they will be
pushed back into their small enclaves and run the gauntlet of human contact. Although
we set aside large swathes of land in the name of conserving animals and
habitat and give them such impressive names as national parks, reserves and
conservation areas, in reality they have become giant adventure playgrounds for
us to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, kayaking and
any other pursuit we can think up with no consideration given to the
disturbance to the animals. Far from being safety zones for them we
increasingly invade these spaces, and if they should dare to retaliate by
attacking us, we kill them.
Bears
in U.S. national parks were able to roam freely and unhindered without having
to take detours round vehicles and camp sites and they do not have to worry
about confronting humans. Rangers have reported a huge increase in bear and
wildlife sightings and stated that the bears are “partying” in
Yosemite national park. Lions in Kruger national park also took the opportunity to roam freely and sleep wherever
they pleased and enjoyed some peace and quiet even taking a nap on the park
roads without being surrounded by hordes of tourist vehicles.
Hopefully
somewhere in all this there might be a salutary lesson to us perhaps even making us
appreciate nature more and an understanding that animals require their space and freedom just
like us. Perhaps we should even give some serious thought to whose benefit many of these preserved areas are truly for and put restrictions on the ultimate predator
from entering them.
