Wildlife Week

Held on : 3rd March

Wildlife refers to all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. India is country which has a rich and diverse wildlife. According to one study, India is one of those countries which is home to about 60-70% of the world's biodiversity. In spite of national parks and protected areas many species are either endangered or on the brink of extinction. The market for wildlife products encourages killing of the whales, poaching of tigers and elephants for their their tusks and bones, rare migratory birds are captured and sold in the black markets around the world. Some species of birds have gone extinct in recent times, including the Pink-headed Duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea) and the Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa). Indian wildlife is closely associated with legendary beliefs and folk lores. Wildlife preservation needs active and planned wildlife management under which all forms of life can progress side by side with human progress, each in its own sphere of influence and utility and without any detriment to human interests. Wildlife Week intends to not only educate young people but also to correct the flaws in the conservation effort by the government.

History - With a view to preserve the fauna of India, particularly to take urgent steps to prevent extinction of any species, the Government of India established an Indian Board of Wild Life (IBWL) in 1952. The Board has since been doing pioneering work to arouse public consciousness in favour of wildlife preservation. One of it's work is  to arouse a general awakening in the common man in favour of protection of wildlife. Therefore, the IBWL decided to observe the Wildlife Week from February-March every year.

Events - Wildlife Week is celebrated by governments, environmentalists, activists to accelerate the awareness of wildlife conservation among people. Various conferences, awareness programmes, public meetings, photography and painting exhibition depicting wild life are held. Various environmentalists, conservationist, wildlife photographers and artists participate in these events. Documentaries and slide shows on wildlife are also screened, especially for school children, during the week. Talks on various aspects of wildlife are also held.

Holiday Status - It is not a holiday.