No Hunting pelicans: Reasons beyond Numbers
Hunting of any kind is a draconian activity of taking control over animals – not keeping in mind their right to exist and move freely. Our habitats are getting packed every day, with human settlements moving in and depriving of sanctuaries for these animals. It makes sense that some people would be willing to hunt them for food and sport. However, it is important to be aware that us human beings need to realize that not everything should be hunted. Pelicans are one such species, where hunting them is totally uncalled for.
Pelicans have a long history of being living on earth, along with some of the other avian species. For over 25 million years, pelicans have taken to the air and even larger birds such as the albatross and vultures. As a result, these birds have become so skilled at gliding on the air currents, it’s no wonder they are often spotted flying or “boating” in perfect formation over the oceans and waterways. In many areas, they are considered a symbol of peace and serenity, but unfortunately they are being hunted in some cases.
An Unregulated Hunt
Hunting of pelicans, in many places, remains largely unregulated. This means that hunters can hunt them without getting any permission or license. In addition, many hunters also hunt them using boat-mounted guns, which makes it even easier for them to quickly catch their prey.
Another problem with this unregulated hunting is that it is often done indiscriminately. Pelicans, like most birds, feed on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other small creatures. As a result, they are often driven to smaller ponds and streams, where they can feed more easily. This makes them even more vulnerable to hunters.
Documented Damage
The damage that hunting of pelicans can cause has been documented in numerous studies. Studies have found that certain pelican populations have declined as a result of hunters killing them for sport or food. This is because many of these birds migrate over long distances, which means that even if they are only killed in a particular area, the reduction in their population in the entire migratory zone can become apparent.
Furthermore, when the pelicans are hunted, they may face a plethora of other risks, such as a lack of food, stress, and interference with their nesting grounds. If a pelican loses its nesting grounds, it can no longer raise young ones, which can affect its future generations, leading to a further decrease in the population.
Alternatives to Hunting
Considering the amount of damage that can be done by an unregulated hunt of pelicans, it’s high time that people take heed and take alternative measures for obtaining their food. There are a variety of alternatives, depending on the particular situation. For example, one can opt for fishing. Fishing provides a viable alternative to hunting, as it does not involve the actual killing of the animals.
Moreover, in case of fishing, one can also opt for catch-and-release technologies, such as fish finders and other tracking devices. These technologies enable fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts to safely observe and occasionally catch a pelican, without the fear of harming it, or the other wildlife in the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Hunting of pelicans is not only inhumane, but also damaging to the environment. As such, it is a practice that should be discouraged at all costs. The alternatives mentioned above provide a viable alternative for those seeking to obtain their food, without having to resort to killing the animals. Thus, it is only through understanding and carefully adhering to these alternatives that we can ensure the survival of these majestic and majestic birds.