Leopards of Bera

Bera’s Battle: The Struggle Against Commercialisation Threatening Leopard Paradise

In Bera, people peacefully resist commercialism to maintain the tranquillity of their farmlands and untouched nature. The focus of tourism is changing from the outdoors to air-conditioned hotels and flashy resorts. The popularity of leopard safaris has affected the realism and tranquillity of these animals' natural habitats.

Bera is attracting large investments in hotels, and resorts as more people become fascinated by wildlife. The cost of commercialisation threatens the balance between tourism and wildlife preservation. I went to Bera on December 16, 2017, to see an old acquaintance, "The Leopard Man of Bera," I was disappointed to witness a profound shift in the Bera I once knew. Commercialization and population growth threaten the village's efforts to maintain harmony between tourism and wildlife. An awful state of affairs unfurled before my eyes. I witnessed an awful state of affairs as safari jeeps and their unruly passengers filled the previously protected environment from the secretive leopards roaming. My buddy Devi reported that he once counted 45 safari jeeps stationed, all excitedly expecting a glimpse of the gorgeous leopards.

Despite seeing a leopard and photographing a cub, the shadow of worry hung large. These quiet and secretive species may soon retreat farther into the void. The extinction of leopards is not just a tragedy for wildlife enthusiasts; it is also a catastrophic turning point for Bera.

As commercial interests continue to intrude on these superb creatures’ natural habitats, Bera’s future is in peril. The delicate balance between booming tourism and wildlife preservation is in danger.  Let us not lose sight of the intrinsic value of the untamed beauty that makes Bera special and worth preserving in our pursuit of riches. Another larger disaster might yet occur. The mining sector has set its sights on mining in the Bera highlands. Despite being kept at bay, they will have their way shortly because of the clot. Money Speaks! 

Drive through one hamlet.

A typical village scene.

Crocodile at one of the water bodies.

I saw very few migratory birds at the various water bodies.