Sanjay Gubbi - Session 03, 2022-05-02

(00:00:33) Human-wildlife conflicts and conservation ethics

Sanjay Gubbi recounts two poignant encounters highlighting the complex intersections of human-wildlife conflict and conservation ethics. First, he vividly describes an incident in 1998 where a leopard was trapped in a well in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Despite efforts to capture it, the leopard unexpectedly leapt out, injuring a bystander before ultimately being shot by police amid chaotic scenes. Gubbi reflects on the moral quandary of whether to intervene, haunted by the leopard’s death and his perceived inaction. This experience shaped his resolve to actively engage in future conflicts, despite the risks.

Next, Gubbi shares a more recent encounter in Hassan, where a mob demanded retribution after a leopard kills a child. He confronts the emotional turmoil of balancing human suffering with wildlife conservation, facing an impossible decision when villagers threatened violence. For Gubbi, these visceral experiences underscored the urgent need for conservationists to navigate ethical dilemmas in real-time, often without clear solutions. Gubbi advocates for proactive engagement, recognising the consequences of apathy or indecision in the face of escalating conflicts.

(00:22:42) Decision-making in human-wildlife conflicts

Gubbi highlights the vital role of natural history in human-wildlife conflict decisions, advocating for understanding species behaviour through field observation. This knowledge helps anticipate animal reactions, aiding effective decision-making.

He acknowledges discomfort with euthanising animals but concedes it might be necessary for public safety and population conservation, advocating for rational, logical decision-making over strict scientific adherence.

Gubbi recalls his involvement in the 1998 operation as a wildlife enthusiast, not yet affiliated with the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS). He highlights the importance of personal experience and long-term observation in understanding wildlife behaviour, debunking misconceptions about elephant migration patterns in Tumakuru.

(00:29:37) Time in Germany post graduation

After completing his engineering, Gubbi spent significant time in Germany, observing their advanced environmental movement and activism, contrasting it with India’s emerging scene. He emphasises Germany’s disciplined approach to environmentalism and recommends young people experience its work culture.

He engaged in fieldwork, monitoring peregrine falcons, during his time in Germany from 1993 to 1994. Following his return, he briefly worked at a granite company. Finding the job unfulfilling, he later ventured into computer education with friends, before realising his passion lay elsewhere. This prompted his transition to conservation work in 1998.

Upon returning to CWS after his master’s, he began to rethink his career path.

[37:08 - 37:11 – Restricted access. Contact archives@ncbs.res.in for details.]

(00:38:31) Motivation for pursuing a PhD

In 2009, Gubbi began contemplating a PhD, inspired by his master’s learnings in scientific proposal writing and recognising gaps in tiger conservation knowledge. He also acknowledged the societal weight given to PhD holders and believed in the necessity of marketing scientific research for practical conservation impact. He shares anecdotes underscoring the importance of scientists engaging with policymakers and journalists to effect change efficiently.

(00:48:30) Experiences post obtaining a PhD and the use of data in decision-making

Gubbi talks about his motivation for pursuing a PhD stemming partly from the societal weight given to the degree, recognising its influence beyond academia. However, he notes that obtaining a PhD late in his career did not significantly alter how he was perceived, as his reputation as a conservationist had already been established. Nonetheless, he found value in the rigorous process of earning the degree.

Before embarking on his PhD journey, he conducted a study on the impact of highways on wildlife in Nagarhole, driven by the need to provide data to support conservation efforts amidst debates with road development authorities. This study, published in Current Science, highlighted the impact of traffic on wildlife and contributed to rerouting highways outside the Tiger Reserve. He shares that this underscored the importance of not just collecting data, but effectively advocating for its use in decision-making forums.

(00:55:20) Creating impactful conservation strategies

Gubbi reflects on the importance of continuity and personal investment in conservation efforts, highlighting the value of one’s history with an issue for credibility. He shares an early concern about highway impact on wildlife, driven by anecdotal incidents, which later informed a study. The study’s findings were used in court, emphasising the significance of presenting data visually, authentic anecdotal stories, and proposing viable alternatives to influence decision-makers effectively.

Gubbi stresses the need for providing solutions rather than leaving questions unanswered, advocating for a conservative approach rooted in practical solutions and drawing examples from other studies.

(01:02:10) Reflections on wildlife conservation and key milestone years

Gubbi recounts a pivotal trip with Ponnaiah Manivannan along a road, accentuating the importance of his explanations based on scientific understanding. This moment influenced Manivannan’s decision-making regarding wildlife and road impact.

Gubbi advocates for the precautionary principle in conservation, stressing the irreversible nature of ecosystem changes.

He mentions the years he joined the State Board for Wildlife and the year the meeting that influenced his decision to pursue a PhD took place.

(01:05:29) Reasons for transitioning from CWS to Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and relocation of humans from protected areas

Gubbi discusses his transition from CWS to NCF, citing academic ambitions and philosophical disillusionment as reasons. He recounts personal encounters highlighting ethical concerns, such as witnessing wildlife habitat clearance for relocation and hearing the hardships faced by relocated families.

Reflecting on his role in promoting relocation, he expresses regret over its negative impact on communities. His disillusionment with the relocation philosophy led him to discontinue its promotion. He emphasises the necessity of voluntary relocation with comprehensive support.