Chapter 2.2 – A True Story of Sea Turtles
The author is shocked at the condition of sea turtles in Maharashtra. He devises an excellent plan by involving villagers in the protection and conservation of the local species, in order to make the project sustainable. The volunteers developed the concept Turtle Festival or Kasav Mahotsava – An opportunity for tourists to witness the unique spectacle of the hatchlings rushing out to the sea. This meant more business for the villagers. Now the villagers realized that Tourism can be a source of income. Tourists bring in money, and in order to earn that money, it was important to protect the turtle hatchlings. Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, the author’s organisation, believing that it is only the local villagers who can ultimately offer excellent protection to the local species, entrusted the project to the Forest Department, the Gram Panchayat, the villagers and their Turtle Friends Club.
∗ ∗ ∗ Warming up! ∗ ∗ ∗
It is our world, too!
1. Observe the following photographs. What is common among all these animals? They are all endangered species. They are likely to die out completely, one of the reasons being human activity in their habitat. If these animals could think and speak like humans, what would they say?
Form groups of 5-8. Prepare short autobiographical speeches for each of these animals (10-15 lines). Use the following points :
- How the animal lives – It’s the only way he/she can.
- How he interacts with nature and other animals.
- How humans interact with that species – whether it is fair, necessary or desirable, etc.
- The possible ill effects of the way human beings treat the animals, for the whole living world.
- The animal getting ready to bid farewell to this world.
Tiger:
Ans: Ladies and gentlemen,
I am the voice of a majestic tiger, a creature that has roamed the dense jungles and grasslands for centuries. The way I live is crucial to maintaining the balance of nature. As a top predator, I interact with my ecosystem by controlling herbivore populations, which in turn, helps maintain the health of the entire forest.
However, humans have not always interacted with us fairly. The illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction have pushed us to the brink of extinction. It is neither necessary nor desirable to exploit us for profit.
The consequences of our decline are dire. Without tigers, ecosystems falter, leading to cascading effects that harm the entire living world. As I prepare to bid farewell to this world, I hope humans will reconsider their actions and work to ensure that future generations can still hear the roar of the wild.
Thank you.
Barbary macaques
Ans: Ladies and gentlemen,
I am here to speak on behalf of the Barbary macaque, a remarkable primate that calls the Atlas Mountains home. Our lives are intimately connected with the mountainous terrain, where we forage for food and raise our families. We are an essential part of the ecosystem, dispersing seeds and maintaining biodiversity.
However, human interactions with our species have not always been fair. Capture for the exotic pet trade and habitat destruction have threatened our existence. These actions not only harm us but also disrupt the fragile balance of our habitat.
As the Barbary macaque faces the possibility of bidding farewell to this world, it is crucial for humanity to recognize the significance of our presence in these mountains and strive for coexistence that benefits both us and the natural world.
Dhole
Ans: The dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, thrives in close-knit packs, displaying intricate social bonds and cooperative hunting. However, human-driven habitat loss and persecution have imperiled our future. Deforestation and encroachment into our territories have dramatically reduced our habitat. Conflict with humans and their livestock has led to our persecution. These actions have far-reaching consequences, as dholes play a vital role in ecosystem balance by controlling prey populations.
Regrettably, the dhole faces imminent farewell. It is neither fair nor necessary for humans to continue these destructive practices. Our extinction would disrupt ecosystems, leading to prey overpopulation and habitat degradation. Let’s strive to ensure the dhole’s survival and the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity.
Blue Whale
Ans: Ladies and gentlemen,
The blue whale, Earth’s largest and most magnificent inhabitant, lives as a gentle giant of the oceans. Its life revolves around the vastness of the deep blue, where it filters tons of tiny krill through baleen plates, a peaceful interaction with its surroundings.
Despite its gentle nature, humans have historically hunted these colossal creatures for their blubber and oil. This exploitation, though once seen as necessary, has pushed the blue whale to the brink of farewell. Such actions disrupt marine ecosystems, impacting not just this majestic species, but the entire underwater world.
Now, the blue whale prepares to bid farewell, a poignant reminder of the consequences of our actions. It is time to protect and cherish these giants of the deep, recognizing their vital role in the health of our oceans.
2. Hold a classroom discussion on the following topics and later on, expand the themes on your own. (10-15 lines)
Why human beings need to use more and more natural resources.
Ans: Humans need to use natural resources because they are essential for our daily lives. We rely on these resources like water, air, trees, and minerals for many things. We need trees for wood to build houses and paper for books. We need water to drink, cook, and grow our food. Air is vital for breathing, and minerals make the things we use, like phones and cars.
However, the problem is that we use too many resources, more than the Earth can replace. This can harm the environment and other living creatures. We should be careful and use resources wisely, recycle, and find ways to use less. If we don’t, we might run out of these resources, and it could hurt our planet and future generations. So, it’s important to use natural resources, but also to protect them and use them responsibly.
Should we conserve only the most beautiful and most useful things in nature?
Ans: No, we should not conserve only the most beautiful and most useful things in nature. Biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet. Every species, whether beautiful or not, plays a role in the ecosystem. Some less glamorous creatures, like insects or certain plants, are vital for pollination, soil health, and food chains.
Conservation should be about preserving all forms of life, not just the ones we find aesthetically pleasing or directly useful. Basing conservation solely on beauty or utility can lead to the loss of critical species and disrupt ecosystems. Moreover, what we find beautiful or useful may change over time, so it’s essential to protect all aspects of nature to maintain the balance of our environment and ensure the well-being of future generations.
What is ‘beautiful’ or ‘useful’? Who has the right to decide that?
Ans: ‘Beautiful’ and ‘useful’ can mean different things to different people and cultures. No one person or group should decide what’s beautiful or useful in nature. Many different kinds of people, like scientists, indigenous groups, and regular folks, should make decisions about protecting nature. We need to think about both science and what different cultures value. This helps us take care of the Earth’s diversity better, understanding that beauty and usefulness can vary for everyone.
∗ ∗ ∗ In Between the Lesson ∗ ∗ ∗
Q1. What unusual occurrence did the volunteers notice ?
Ans: The volunteers had never come across turtle eggs in their walks along the beaches of Konkan in all the years. This was an unusual occurrence.
Q2. Why were turtle eggs seen on the beach after it had been sealed to the public? What were the implications?
Ans: The turtle eggs were seen on the beach after it had been sealed to the public because the egg hunters couldn’t come and steal the eggs anymore. The implications were that the turtle eggs were protected as people did not have access to them because of the beach being sealed.
Q3. Why have these turtles been protected in India?
Ans: Turtles have been protected in India because they are endangered due to a ruthless practice of killing the turtles, stealing their eggs and eating or selling them in the market.
Q4. Why were the people asked to look for the eggs or nests in the morning?
Ans: The people were asked to look for the eggs or nests in the morning, so that they could safeguard the eggs and protect them from the egg hunters, who usually came in the mornings, looking for eggs on the beach.
Q5. The elderly people had seen the hatchlings for the first time. What does it indicate ?
Ans: The fact that the elderly people had seen the hatchlings for the first time indicates that the eggs were being stolen for so many years and to such an extent that they never survived long enough to hatch.
Q6. Why was it necessary to undertake turtle protection on a large scale ?
Ans: It was necessary to undertake turtle protection on a large scale because their survival rate was as low as one or two out of a thousand. Also, they occupy an important place in marine ecology as they keep the sea clean. Thus, it was important to curb the stealing of their eggs to give them a fair chance of survival.
Q7. Why were those who had stolen the eggs earlier involved in the work of protection? Give at least two reasons.
Ans: The people who had stolen the eggs earlier, were now involved in the work of protection because their occupation of stealing the eggs was no longer an option and also, they were experienced in looking for turtle eggs.
Q8. What do the ‘homestay’ families do ?
Ans: ‘Homestay’ families provide accommodations to the tourists, who visit the village during the Turtle Festival. They all offer the same rate for the facilities offered and give ten percent of their income to the Turtle Protection Fund
Q9. Why was the project entrusted to the local people?
Ans: The project was entrusted to the local people because the members of Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra organisation believed that it is only the local villagers who can ultimately offer excellent protection to the local species.
∗ ∗ ∗ ENGLISH WORKSHOP ∗ ∗ ∗
1. Read each of the following sentences aloud. Write who said it and to whom.
(a) Volunteers
Ans:
Volunteer 1 : It’s been an hour since we started looking for the sea-eagles, but to no avail.
Volunteer 2 : Yes, there is not a single clue about the sea-eagles here.
Volunteer 3 : Look here! Look! I have found something!
Volunteer 1 : What? What is it?
Volunteer 2 : I think they are egg shells.
Volunteer 3 : Yes! They are egg shells!
Volunteer 2 : But what kind of egg shells?
Volunteer 3 : I don’t know. I guess they are crab eggs.
Volunteer 1 : No, they cannot be crab eggs. Crabs lay their eggs underwater.
Volunteer 2 : Then, what kind of egg shells are these?
Volunteer 3 : I see some local people there. Let’s go and ask them.
(b) The volunteers and the villagers.
Ans:
Volunteer 1 : Hello! We found a shallow pit full of eggs back there. May we know what kind of eggs they are?
Villager 1 : Yes, sir. They are the egg shells of a sea turtle!
Volunteer 2 : Sea turtle! That’s so surprising! We have never come across sea turtle egg shells while walking on beaches in Konkan, all these years.
Villager 2 : That is because the beach was sealed for the public for nearly a month after they had caught some people smuggling silver bricks in the area.
Volunteer 3 : But, how is that related to the egg shells?
Villager 1 : Ma’am, nowadays the local people come out early in the morning and search the beach for these eggs. They then either eat the eggs or sell them in the market.
Volunteer 2 : That is so disturbing! How do they find these eggs?
Villager 2 : The female turtle leaves a trail behind her after laying the eggs. The egg hunters follow this trail, dig up the pits, find hundred to one hundred and fifty eggs and then steal them.
Volunteer 1 : That is so wicked and appalling!
Villager 1 : Yes, it is, Sir. And if a female turtle is spotted while she is still laying her eggs, she is first allowed to lay her eggs and then, even she is caught and killed!
Volunteer 3 : This is wrong and illegal! Sea turtles are given protection under the Schedule 1 of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972!
Volunteer 2 : We need to take immediate action against this!
Volunteer 1 : Yes, we need to protect these turtles!
Villager 1 and 2 : We are ready to help in any way possible.
Volunteer 3 : Let’s do this!
2. Prepare a short note on sea turtles with the help of the information given in the passage.
Ans: Sea turtles are water animals that nest along the coastline. Turtles perform an important function in marine ecology – they keep the sea clean. There are seven types of sea turtles in the world, five of which are found in India. The Olive Ridley, Green turtles and Hawksbills are a part of the Maharashtrian coastline. When the female turtle reaches maturity at the age of fifteen years, she comes out of the water and builds a shallow nest to lay her eggs in and leaves to never come back. There are at least hundred to one hundred fifty eggs in one nest. The eggs hatch after a period of forty-five to fifty days, using the natural heat and warmth of the sun and the sand. After hatching, these hatchlings rush to the water to go back to their homes in the sea. The sea is dangerous for these young turtles and they have to brave it all alone. Therefore, their survival rate is very low. Only one or two turtles survive out of thousands. Recently, their species have become endangered since the eggs are often stolen and then eaten or sold in the market. Thus, it has become imperative to protect these turtles on a large scale all around the world.
3. Prepare a poster to illustrate how the turtle eggs were/are protected. Include the following in the poster.
Some pictures of sea turtles and their habitat
Information about turtle nests and eggs
A picture and information about a ‘protected nest’
Appeal to the public to spread awareness about their conservation
Some data (figures) regarding the achievements so far
Ans:
4. Prepare a simple brochure regarding the ‘homestay’ facilities made available in the villages. Form groups and discuss the points you will use in the brochure. Remember to include the precautions that tourists have to take at the site, in your brochure.
Ans: Students should do this on their own.
5. Explain the idea of ‘Conservation of Nature through Livelihood’ briefly, using the example given here.
Ans: The idea of ‘Conservation of Nature through Livelihood’ explains that nature must be conserved and this can be done along with building livelihood. The villagers of Velas have become a part of the ‘Turtle Friends Club’. They have ‘homestay’ facilities at their houses, so that the tourists who come to take part in the Turtle Festival can lodge there. Through this, they get a handsome income in hand. Because of all this, the villagers have realised that tourism can be a major source of income to them. Many tourists come to watch the turtle hatchlings rush inside the flowing water. This acts as an incentive for the villagers to protect the turtle eggs. Also, ten percent of the income which the villagers receive is given to the Turtle Protection Fund. This is how the idea of ‘Conservation of Nature through Livelihood’ works. Thus, in exchange for income, the people protect nature and both co-exist in harmony.
6. Prepare bullet point presentations on the following :
(a) Scope for tourism in your locality
Ans: There is a ruined fort built by the ancestors of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It has the prominent features of the Maratha architecture. With proper renovation and cleaning, it can be opened for the public. A botanical garden in which plants and trees are grown only with organic seeds and fertilizers, can be made a source for providing knowledge to people about the eco-friendly products available, the things to be used and the things not to be used, things that are helpful or harmful to the environment, etc. A restaurant built like a palace, serving Indian cuisine and treating their customers in a royal way. This can be used as a major tourist attraction, if supported with marketing and advertisement.
(b) Prudent utilisation of natural resources
Ans: Natural resources are a gift from nature. They are categorised into renewable and non-renewable resources. The non-renewable resources include oil, minerals, and soil. Non-renewable resources take years to replenish, thus judicious use is necessary. Over-usage of any resource is harmful for the environment. Things that are reusable and can be recycled must be kept and re-used.
7. Read the following entries in the ‘Language Study’ pages :
(a) clause
(b) sentence
Underline the main clause in the following sentences.
(1) There are a few people in every village who keep combing the beach in the early hours of the morning, throughout the year.
Ans: There are a few people in every village
(2) When the female turtle comes on shore to nest and to lay eggs, she leaves behind a trail just like a track of wheels on the sand.
Ans: she leaves behind a trail just like the tracks of wheels on the sand
(3) The egg hunters follow this trail right up to the nest which is about half a metre deep.
Ans: The egg hunters follow this trail right up to the nest
8. Read : ‘Last Chance to See’ by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine.
Ans: Students should do this on their own.