Infant Marsh Mangoose

Wetlands are biodiversity storehouses, East Kolkata wetlands having an area of 12500 hectare consists about 28 species of algal flora and 108 species of plants, 20 species of mammals and 40 species of birds, 52 endemic species of fishes out of which 32 are endangered. Marsh mongoose and mud-turtle are included in IUCN list as endangered species. Mud turtle is also listed as data deficient species in IUCN.

It is true the local inhabitants lack knowledge about the value of preserving such species but religious factors for decades have defined their attitude towards the flora and fauna they live with. They consider the plants and animals as sacred and thus treat the biodiversity with great respect. Unfortunately, the affluent and powerful class of people takes the biodiversity rich wetlands for granted. They continue to destroy the wetlands by violating all environment laws and norms for their self interest; it is only the selfish trade that shapes their behavior. SAFE is all set to combat against unscrupulous encroachers and put a halt to gains made from activities that might threaten wetlands. However, apart from creating more awareness among the inhabitants about protecting the wetlands biodiversity, SAFE is building up consensus to meet this challenge and have begun to involve more people including the government officials of respective departments in this regard.