Concern for wildlife conservation has lost its importance as under-development and human-right issues are overburden in the state of Manipur. No doubt the speechless wildlife is also dying everyday from our state.

The day will soon come when the rich heritage of wildlife in Manipur perish, if the present trend continues.

Globally, animals are killed illegally for their meat, skins and internal organs as well as, for sport and accidental killing. The main reason for their illegal killing in rest of the world has been the illegal trade involved in it.

It will not be wrong to say that the indiscriminate hunting, eating them up and rapid deforestation have led to the present situation in our state too.

In the hills, where people pride themselves as traditional hunters, it would be a pity soon enough if they are left with no animal to hunt at all.

Recently, NDTV website carried a story "Manipur Hunters Flout wildlife Laws" where a local politician in Churanchandpur district proudly showcased his passion for hunting with rare collection of different species.

The story says how easily popular hunted species such as monkeys and deer are available for Rs. 100 per kilo in the town. Forest areas and its borders areas of Manipur had been a home to many species in the past.

Sangai or the Brow Antlered Deer is a species endemic only to its unique wetland ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao National Park. Unfortunately, this rare species is also reported to be less than seventy in the park.

The rare and elusive Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos Malyanus) is restricted to the unique forests in the Indo-Myanmar border areas and inhabits the Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary of Manipur.

If protection of such species does not continue, there would soon be situation like- tiger disappearance in Sariska wildlife sanctuary, Rajasthan.

In Manipur it is already happening, the Javan Rhinoceros was seen roaming along the Khuga river valley in Churachandpur district as late as the beginning of 20th century, but now it is extinct from Manipur and hence from India.

Rapid development of cities have deprived us to hear the sweet melodies of Indian Koel (commonly known as Kookil), quoted in famous noble "Madhabi".

During sunset, the sweet and thrilling sound of Hari-Nonglang birds which used to be common melody in the urban areas have slowly fade away.

If names of almost threatened or exterminated wildlife in Manipur are listed, it would be endless- tiger, leopard, wild dog (Lamhui), Burmese peafowl (wahong), hornbill (langmeidong), owl, etc.

Folks of cattle egret, median egret and large egret commonly known as (urok) flying in beautiful lines in the twilight hour are no longer commonly sighted. Neither, we could sight crows and sparrows easily in the urban areas of Manipur.

Birds such as storks, pelicans and cranes have also disappeared migrating in the marshy areas of Loktak Lake.

Today, the richness and diversity of our wildlife is largely a memory of our elder's generation. They remember their parents warning not to go to ponds and nearby tank as crows are cawing in the noon timing.

Or if birds fly low, it means it is going to rain. Such verbal communication we now only get to hear in folktales only.

A group of young Manipuri in their mid 20's said as "During our childhood days, we along with the elders used to hunt sparrows and other birds. We burn them and eat it". This is how they remember their past on wildlife.

It may come as a surprise but the conditions of stray dogs are more pathetic. It's tough to find a stray dog in the street of Imphal.

The question is, "Do they all taken care by animal lovers of the town? Or there is another answer to it! I kept wondering...... This is the condition of domesticated animal.

One can easily imagine what would be the situation for wild animals. In Imphal people has the pleasure of eating dog's meat. But one won't find the meat of any wild animal selling in open.

In our state for animal safety, very inadequate wildlife veterinarians and rescue centre are available in the city. Besides, in their conflict with man, wildlife often becomes the prey.

Another serious concern is that the condition of state zoo is deteriorating everyday.

Today the children of urban areas do not hear sweet and refreshing sounds of many beautiful birds and see wild species in their surroundings. No school in the state teaches any lessons or spread any awareness on the conservation of wildlife.

Wildlife has also the right to live in their environment and it contributes to the web of food chain system of our ecosystem. Ultimately it's the human-being who suffers due to their destruction.

We need many volunteers coming ahead for wildlife conservation and the state to encourage researchers to take up studies.

Local NGOs need to come up and worked with national level wildlife organization like Wildlife Trust of India for long-term wildlife conservation.

This NGO support all local NGOs and individuals to join hands with them to tackle conservation problems in their state or area through Rapid action project.

If local people initiate the process of protection and management of their surrounding, the forest department and such bigger NGOs are ready to support them.

Local clubs and NGOs should come up with the awareness programmes and campaigns on the wildlife conservation and its relation with the human being.

States like Assam in North-east has the pride of having rhinos, tigers and elephants and efforts are also on to conserve such protected areas. Such protected areas have attracted lots of tourists every year in their state also. But it's also not too late for our state.

If loves for wildlife is instill to our kids, may be they would learn the value of tolerance, self respect and love for mankind.

The plight of state wildlife needs to be reached out to more and more people. I strongly feel that peoples' behavior would surely change in the light of new knowledge and so will their lives in the light of a new found harmony.