Why Odisha is Leading the Charge for Animal Conservation on World Animal Day 2025

Celebrating Biodiversity on World Animal Day

ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Animal Day 2025, Odisha shines as a hub of biodiversity, home to over 114 mammal species, 537 bird species, and 131 reptiles, thriving in its forests, mangroves, and coastal areas. However, this rich ecosystem is under severe threat from habitat destruction, poaching, electrocution, and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for animal conservation. Experts assert that protecting wildlife is not merely an act of kindness but a crucial environmental necessity.

The theme for this year's World Animal Day, 'Save Animals, Save the Planet,' emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal survival and environmental health. Animals are essential for maintaining ecological balance, and their decline can lead to weakened ecosystems, increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, food shortages, and disease outbreaks. Biswajit Mohanty, Secretary of the Wildlife Society of Odisha, noted the importance of species like elephants and Olive Ridley turtles in sustaining the planet's health. He explained, 'Elephants contribute to forest growth through seed dispersal and clearing underbrush, while Olive Ridleys serve as ocean scavengers.'

Mohanty raised alarms about the rising number of elephant fatalities in Odisha, which ranks among the highest in India. He called for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to combat poaching, electrocution, and habitat encroachment. Wildlife filmmaker Sangita Iyer, founder of 'Voices for Asian Elephants,' stressed the importance of recognizing animal sentience. 'There's a significant gap in understanding animal emotions. Just because humans can't fully grasp animal communication doesn't mean they don't form deep familial bonds or experience a range of emotions,' she stated. Iyer urged society to treat animals with the same love and respect as family members, advocating for a commitment to understanding their thoughts and feelings.

Purabi Patra, founder of Animal Welfare Trust Ekamra, pointed out the unintended ecological effects of the Supreme Court's recent decision to relocate stray dogs to shelters, as these dogs play a role in controlling rodent populations and disease spread. She criticized the state's mining expansion, which leads to deforestation and wildlife displacement, asserting, 'We must find a balance between development and conservation; we cannot afford to destroy our natural ecosystems.' Kusal Biswas from 'Speak for Animals Trust, Odisha' highlighted the importance of every life, stating, 'Both humans and animals have the right to exist. Sadly, the deaths of animals, particularly strays, are often overlooked, with few FIRs filed and inadequate enforcement of protective laws.'