Keoladeo area in Bharatpur state has for centuries been highly valued because of its rich bird life. In 1972 it became a sanctuary, to protect the 230 bird species living in the area. The Siberian crane was one of the beautiful migratory birds that came every winter.

People living outside the park have for ages used the park area as grazing land for its cattle. In 1982 the government prohibited grazing in the park, a decision that provokes huge demonstrations by the affected people. On November 7th in 1982 the police opened fire against the protesters. 6 people got killed. This was just the beginning of the tragedy. The following years the sanctuary got overgrown by weeds and plants, which reduced the water availability for animals and birds. The lack of cow droppings produced fewer fertilizers for the soil, and less breeding spaces for insects (bird food). In addition, the Panchana dam on the Gambhir River prevented the water from flowing into the park. These factors have currently lead to aridity in the park.

Today, ground water is being extracted to ensure enough drinking water for the birds, a highly unsustainable practice. The Siberian crane and many other birds have left and been replaced by black ibis, a bird specie adapted to dry conditions.

This story raises several important aspects of wildlife management. What was the biggest threat to the birds; the villagers and their grazing cattle?

Removal of people and their animals is not always the best solution for wildlife conservation. In many cases the harmony between people and nature is crucial for the existence of nature as we know it today. Altering this balance can have negative consequences. It is important to consider alternative management models, like local governance and management over natural resources, when interests of forest, wildlife and people are at stake.