Strange isn`t it that one reads of the Nilgai being sacred to Indians yet the drastic decline of their numbers in the 1980s was attributed by the Indian authorities to hunting and loss of habitat - and the hunting was not by foreigners. The `loss of habitat` continues yet the animals` numbers have increased dramatically - to the extent that the relationship between farmers and Nilgai is quoted as being one of `constant conflict`. In Haryana Nilgai numbers are `causing concern` because of their feeding on agricultural crops and illegal hunting is known to occur and is increasing.
Deforestation is of little consequence to the Nilgai because they actively avoid wooded areas - probably because that is where Tigers used to lie !
The Nilgai were imported on to the King Ranch in Texas in the early 1900s as a second animal ( after cattle ) to herd and market. It was rapidly discovered that they were extremely difficult to contain and could not be controlled !
In Texas they are regarded as challenging animals to hunt and difficult to put down - charges of 150 yards after a `fatal` shot are not uncommon.
For anyone to state that the Nilgai is universally regarded as sacred in India is not only incorrect but is an arrogant oversimplifiction. As in all things concerning religion the definition of `sacred` is open to the interpretation of the individual and the individual community. The priority of the farmer is to feed his family and if the Nilgai prevents that farmer from doing so he will be forced to take appropriate action. There is no doubt that in many communities the ban on hunting Nilgai is not only resented but its` repeal is considered a growing and urgent necessity.
If there is one thing that is for certain it is that Tiger numbers are decreasing in India. How long it will be before the numbers reach an unsustainable level is uncertain but unless a far greater conservation effort is made, and made soon, there can be little doubt that level of numbers will occur in the foreseeable future.
One of my college lecturers used to tell stories of hunting Pheasant, Quail and another bird whose name escapes me in Mussorie. The birds were not brought in by feeding and shot with a .22 rifle but were walked-up and shot on the wing with a shotgun.