By B. Sreekantswamy

Romulus Whitaker, the renowned herpetologist and pioneer in snake rescue and wildlife conservation, who also founded the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, shared his thoughts on conservation following a panel discussion at the recently concluded ninth edition of the Mysuru Literature Festival–2025.

In a candid conversation with Star of Mysore (SOM), Padma Shri awardee Whitaker, now 82, appeared energetic and reflective, expressing admiration for how conservation in India has evolved into a sustained and growing movement over the years.

Star of Mysore (SOM): We have been talking of conservation for so long. Has it become more of a cliché?

Romulus Whitaker: It’s frivolous to think that conservation has become a clichéd word. Unlike many other countries, India today has more conservation consciousness than ever before — and that’s largely thanks to the activists and organisations involved in these efforts.

“We have institutions like Dakshin Foundation, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the Madras Crocodile Bank, which has been around for 40 years. These are places where people come, work and grow into major conservationists. This is a great time for conservation in India.

SOM: Mysuru has a Zoo…

Whitaker: Zoos play a very important role in conservation. Mysuru Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is one of the best Zoos and is well known. The Zoo has been regularly conducting education and outreach programmes. So, conservation cannot be termed as a cliché.

SOM: But, are these education programmes reflected at the ground level?

Whitaker: Yes, I think so. There are a lot of problems the wildlife and habitats are facing. But, let’s not give up the battle and keep on fighting.

SOM: You may have read about the recent deaths of five tigers in the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary due to poisoning. It seems the villagers are more concerned about their crops and livestock, rather than wildlife.

Whitaker: It is for the Forest Department, which in fact has good Officers to pay compensation in such cases. There are problems, but we have to face them effectively.

SOM: Can we think of preventive action in toto?

Whitaker: (laughs) That’s a good question and a long way to go, but won’t answer…