Apropos of the news story “CIB steps up anti-wildlife crime operation across nation” (THT, Jan 14, Page2), it is a huge success in busting an illicit wildlife trade racket that has been flourishing for many years. Apparently, endangered wildlife has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to the illegal wildlife trade and consumption. Even though many individuals, non-profit organizations and government itself are making their best efforts to save wildlife, the results aren’t as expected. It is widely recognized that the number of seized specimens only represents a small fraction of the actual illegal trade, and the reason behind it is these never ending demands from China’s domestic market.

Regarding the pangolin, they pose no threat to humans, they are not a pest and they are not targeted for local consumption. However, nowadays, with the true value of the pangolin being more widely known, if caught in a trap or seen in the forest, it is likely that they are taken to the neighboring country for monetary gain. Consequently, the illegal trade in wildlife will not subside as long as their demand continues to rise. Unless and until there is no reduction in demand in the international market, there is no full stop to wildlife trade anytime soon. Thus, the role of the government is crucial in ensuring collaboration with different countries to combat the illegal trade in wildlife, both within the country and beyond.

Bibasha Khadgi, Ilam

Bullfight

I was quite exhilarated after looking at the front page photo on Saturday’s THT showing a traditional bullfight ceremony organised by locals at Talukachandani village, Nuwakot to mark the Maghe Sankranti festival. Needless to say, such traditional culture prevailing in Nuwakot district can be converted to a great source for the tourism industry in our naturally blessed, beautiful country. On the one hand, this preserves the splendid custom of Nuwakot. Local people can even envisage promoting tourism in their locality through this bullfighting which is very popular in Spain where thousands of people gather to watch the event. The Nepal government and concerned authorities ought to publicise this tradition. Bullfighting is the national game of Spain, which has become internationally known for its bullfighting, and because of this peculiar custom, it has been gaining extensive popularity in the world. But the bullfighting must not be crude and the organisers must not show any cruelty to the animals taking part in the fighting. It must be safe to both the animals and the audience. We as human beings should not take enjoyment by making two innocent animals fight each other for no apparent reason. It must be modified to make it into a more funny game rather than a real fight.

Sanjog Karki, Palpa