Follow Wild Chronicles to Periyar Nature Preserve, where the Indian government has found an innovative solution to a national problem.
Rather than prosecuting the poachers who once illegally stripped bark from sandalwood trees, the forestry department is hiring these men as park guides. In addition to providing them a better quality of life, these men now have a personal stake in protecting the preserve that they once exploited.
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Abdul Bashir, the tourism officer, says former poachers make excellent nature guides. Why?
Bashir says the former poachers are familiar with the area, are not afraid of wild animals, and "tourists . . . will be safe in their hands because their jungle skills are so good."
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Do the men and women of Periyar make more money as guides or poachers?
Poachers make more money, but not being criminals improves the residents' quality of life.
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management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
to use or take advantage of for profit.
management, cultivation, and harvesting of trees and other vegetation in forests.
system or order of a nation, state, or other political unit.
new, advanced, or original.
geographic area protected by the national government of a country.
person who hunts or fishes illegally.
to accuse and carry out legal action against a person or organization.
type of large plant with a thick trunk and branches.
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