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Historically, wildlife refers only to some game species (exclusive birds, mammals, and fish) that the people hunt. Today the term ‘wildlife’ includes all living forms, even those that are not used for sport (non-game species). Nevertheless, most literatures confine the reference to wildlife to the animal kingdom, more specifically those species that are classified under Phylum Chordates consisting of vertebrates or animals with backbones.
The wildlife species is only a small component of the biological diversity (biodiversity), which refers to the wide variety of all living organisms at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Wildlife, in contrast to its domesticated counterpart, has genetic and behavioral characteristics that developed and has existed over thousands of years.
Many of the original biological and physiological features have disappeared with the homogenization of some animals through selective breeding and domestication for utilitarian reasons. The decline in the genetic diversity of exotic living species is a major issue in biodiversity conservation efforts throughout the world especially with the advent of biogenetic modifications, habitat losses, fragmentation of the native habitats and over-exploitation.
Thus, when tour operators design a tourism package kerala government always emphasizes on the fact that the natural features of the forests and other places should never be altered or damaged. The nature should be left to fend for itself. Strict rules and regulations have been put in place and the vigilant forest department officials always have watched the tourism developments from a distance.
Recently, treks to the deeper forest areas are allowed only in the presence of vigilant forest guards and tour guides from the forest department. If the visit may take many days, tents are allowed to be put up only in places with very little vegetative growth and also by not causing any damage to the surrounding areas. Such developments have taken place by learning lessons from the best practices followed elsewhere.
The wildlife species is only a small component of the biological diversity (biodiversity), which refers to the wide variety of all living organisms at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Wildlife, in contrast to its domesticated counterpart, has genetic and behavioral characteristics that developed and has existed over thousands of years.
Many of the original biological and physiological features have disappeared with the homogenization of some animals through selective breeding and domestication for utilitarian reasons. The decline in the genetic diversity of exotic living species is a major issue in biodiversity conservation efforts throughout the world especially with the advent of biogenetic modifications, habitat losses, fragmentation of the native habitats and over-exploitation.
Thus, when tour operators design a tourism package kerala government always emphasizes on the fact that the natural features of the forests and other places should never be altered or damaged. The nature should be left to fend for itself. Strict rules and regulations have been put in place and the vigilant forest department officials always have watched the tourism developments from a distance.
Recently, treks to the deeper forest areas are allowed only in the presence of vigilant forest guards and tour guides from the forest department. If the visit may take many days, tents are allowed to be put up only in places with very little vegetative growth and also by not causing any damage to the surrounding areas. Such developments have taken place by learning lessons from the best practices followed elsewhere.
