Code of Ethics for Nature Lovers and Photographers

<Extracted from the Sep/Oct 2014 issue of Nature Watch>


Code of Ethics for Nature Lovers and Photographers

1. Don't Destroy the Plants

There are enough of us these days that little-used paths are quickly turned into well-worn tracks once a rare sighting is announced. Rearranging vegetation has resulted in nests and bird perches becoming exposed to predators. Good habitats equate to good wildlife populations. So keep to the pathways and do not destroy vegetation to get a better angle or view.

2. Don't Get Close to Wildlife

Humans frighten animals. Even if they do not show it, birds and animals are tense when people are around. For nesting birds, keep a good distance off, or else you might frighten the parents into abandoning the chicks. That is what your binoculars, scopes and zoom lenses are for. Let birds and animals behave naturally, let them raise their offspring in peace.

3. Don't Harass Wildlife

These days everyone is using playback, some even at top volume and for long stretches of time at that. Many of us have seen birds frantically flying back and forth looking for their invisible ‘rival’. Too much playback and the bird might flee its territory needlessly. Flash photography also scares and blinds animals, especially night creatures with their sensitive eyes. Be considerate, if animals and birds wanted flashing lights and repeated sounds, they would go to a disco. Most of all, do not feed, molest, torture, poach or kill wildlife.

4. Protect Nature from Abusers

Educate the newbies and ignorant, perhaps make a passing comment to explain how some actions can harm our animals and plants. For the persistent vandal, get evidence and report them to the authorities or at least expose their abusive behaviour to the nature community. Try to educate the ignorant, help stop the cruel. 

Click here for the full article in Nature News.

Click here for the full Code of Ethics for Nature.

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