Raza Tehsin's interest in wildlife conservation was originally stimulated when as a young boy he accompanied his father into the then thick forests of Mewar. The late T. H. Tehsin, as I recall, was famous as a shikari but became one of the earliest hunters-turned-conservationists. Raza took to bird watching and developed a curiosity about plants with medicinal qualities. His passion for wildlife has intensified over the years. He studied in Vidya Bhawan School, which had a strong tradition of camping and hiking and reinforced his love for nature.
What were simple hobbies turned Raza into an activist when, while still in his twenties, he saw the rampant decimation of forests and animal life around Udaipur. He started by pleading with the Forest Department of the dire consequences of this. Some appreciated his concern and expertise but others frowned at his exposure of corruptions and falsehoods in claims of reforestation. His persistent lobbying however was successful in notifying wildlife sanctuaries in Sitamata in Dhariyawad Tehsil, Phulwari Ki Nal in Kotra Tehsil and Sajjangarh near Udaipur city.
There have been many other manifestations of his public-spirited initiatives as a conservationist. An old Kalp Vriksha, which was threatened by the planned extension of the General Hospital in Udaipur, was saved after his indefatigable pleading for nine months. The architectural plans were eventually modified when botanical experts confirmed that the tree was 400 years old, which was rare, if not unique, in Udaipur district.
Similarly, he managed to convince the authorities to stop the export of frogs, considered a culinary delicacy abroad, when he drew public attention that frogs prevent the spread of malaria. He also demanded a ban on the slaughter of jackals by pelt hunters by highlighting their role as scavengers. He was personally instrumental in arresting the traditional tribal practice of mass killings of animals in 'Aida' after Holi festival.
In addition to his conservationist activism, Raza continued to refine his scientific study of wildlife. Within his means, he added to the rich library inherited from his father with books and journals on natural history. Early in life he became a member of institutions like WWF (India), Bombay Natural History Society etc. The distinguished naturalist, Dr. Salim Ali, complimented Raza personally on the discovery that a little pressure on the ears of birds induced them into deep sleep. It was Raza's discovery that panthers use their whiskers as wind detectors while hunting. Apparently, he was only the third person in the world to observe that tigers spray urine on either side of their pathways to mark their territorial boundaries and to attract the female of the species. He was the first to notify the presence of a number of species in southern Rajasthan including the Rusty Spotted Cat, Albino Mongoose, White-bellied Miniwit, Three-toed Kingfisher, Green Heron, Baikal Teal, Lesser Flamingo, White-eared Bulbul, etc. In 1999, he discovered a free-living flat worm and notified it to BNHS. Supplementing the history in Prater's standard work Animals of India, he located the Flying Squirrel and mouse deer in Rajasthan.
In a deep cave near Udaipur, Raza found the Snow Trout, which may provide proof of the mythological belief that a tributary of Saraswati once flowed through Rajasthan. Contrary to the common belief that scorpions were not gregarious, he discovered a colony of scorpions in the ravines of the River Som.
Raza's adventures in nature exploration have been mostly as a "loner". He generally tramps on foot in thick forests. His reputation as a wildlife crusader is now well established in Rajasthan. He always responds positively to invitations from schools, colleges and cognoscenti citizens to give talks about animal lore. If he had access to greater resources, he would no doubt embark on wider explorations.
I know of no one who has singlehandedly and single-mindedly, without looking for reward or recognition, been so devoted to the love of Nature, its variety and to wildlife protection.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist