Context:
In a remarkable display of empathy and coexistence with nature, three tribal women from the Kani community in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, revived a baby macaque that had fallen unconscious after being electrocuted. The act highlights the traditional ecological values of indigenous communities and compassion towards wildlife.
Key Highlights / Details
Incident Summary
• Location: Kallar Golden Valley forest checkpost on the Vithura–Ponmudi road.
• Two young macaques came in contact with a high-tension electric wire.
• One died instantly, while the other fell unconscious with a head injury.
• Three women from Vanasamrakshana Samiti (forest protection committee) — Udaya, Sachithra, and Saugandhika — rushed to rescue.
• They administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) using chest compressions.
• The injured monkey was successfully revived and later released into the wild.
Human–Wildlife Relationship Context
• Despite crop damage from wild animals like boars, elephants, and bears, the tribal women rejected retaliation.
• They emphasized a values-based coexistence, rooted in community ethics and forest harmony.
Relevant Prelims Points
• The Kani tribe is a Scheduled Tribe in Kerala, known for traditional knowledge of forests.
• Bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) is a Schedule II species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• CPR is a life-saving procedure used during cardiac or respiratory emergencies.
• Vanasamrakshana Samitis (VSS) are part of Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs in India.
Relevant Mains Points
• Themes: Tribal rights & conservation ethics, community role in wildlife protection, human-wildlife coexistence.
• Reflects environmental ethics – respect for sentient life.
• Highlights grassroots contribution to biodiversity conservation.
• Way Forward: Promote community-based conservation, training in wildlife rescue, involve tribals as forest stewards under FRA, 2006.