The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), one of the biggest local non-governmental organisations which relentlessly works for the conservation and protection of our local fauna and flora, organised a conference on the Mauritian Kestrel on Monday 25 April 2022 at the Flying Dodo Conference Room, Bagatelle. The speakers were Dr Vikash Tatayah, Conservation Director at the MWF and Professor Carl Jones, Conservation Biologist, Indianapolis, Chief Scientist at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Scientific Director as well as a founder of the MWF.
Against all odds, the Mauritian Kestrel has thrived to make an extraordinary comeback on our territory, thanks to the laudable efforts of the MWF. The Mauritian Kestrel’s inherent qualities of resilience, liberty and majestic beauty have been determining in establishing it as an emblem for conservation in Mauritius. This magnificent bird can be seen in Ferney or Black River Gorges but to a lesser extent in Moka.
However, that does not mean that we should be sitting on our laurels. With the continuous depletion of forests due to aggressive concrete jungles or road networks springing at every junction, vigilance is key. In fact, a decline in the population of the bird has been noted recently. As put forward by Dr Tatayah, conservation is a matter of concern for everyone and we should all be ambassadors for this noble cause.
Friends of Mauritian Wildlife
In order to cement the connection with Nature, Friends of Mauritian Wildlife, which is a club actively promoting interest in all aspects of wildlife, has been relaunched this year. The club plans to raise environmental awareness and get on board volunteers and participative friends who genuinely have at heart the values of protection and conservation of green life. Through the organisation of activities such as educational encounters, collaborative programmes or eco-outings, the club wishes to inspire its members to persevere along the path of environmental undertakings. Transmission remains crucial, which is why we must imbibe the next generation with the urgency of being environmentally conscious.
In that context, Fellow Hikers, which is a group of non-profit nature enthusiasts with a passion for hiking and comprising all age groups, has been invited to attend the conference. The members of Fellow Hikers have expressed their keen interest to become Friends of Mauritian Wildlife, as part of their endeavours to contribute to the ecological ideals in Mauritius.
Professor Carl Jones has stated that conservation works take decades but if each one of us takes that one small step, together, the possibilities are limitless.
BHAWNA ATMARAM
*For more information, contact the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation or check their Facebook page.