Arefa Tehsin 32, a wild life enthusiast, writer and daughter of famous wild life conservationist and Ornithologist Dr. Raza Tehsin has been nominated to the post of Honorary Wildlife Warden of Udaipur District. If elected and appointed, Arefa will take up the mantle from her father, Dr. Raza Tehsin, who had earlier served as Honorary Wild Life Warden of Udaipur for many years.

Though the official orders from the State Government are still awaited, the forest department of Udaipur has already nominated Arefa’s name as the most suitable person for this post.

As Wildlife Warden, Arefa will oversee various positions and responsibilities including development and management of sanctuaries along with informing any illegal activities or loopholes to the forest department. The warden can also suggest animals and jungles which need the most protection and the areas which are ideal to be declared as wildlife sanctuaries.

The four main sanctuaries of Udaipur are Sajjangarh, Jaisamand, Phulwari ki Naal and Kumbhalgarh.

When asked what would be her first priorities after being posted as warden, Arefa said “There are three priorities as of now, which I would like to concentrate on. There is an area called Sarveni near Salumbar. Most of it is forest area. It is under one range and under one DFO. I, along with my father Dr. Tehsin who had been the first to raise this matter, will try to have it declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Second, at the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, there is a small settlement of humans at the entrance. If the entrance for the tourists and villagers can be separated by a proper wall, Kumbhalgarh can serve as a home for the Asiatic Lion.

And third, Dr. Tehsin and I are trying to connect children with Nature through various means. The series of books that we’re writing on wildlife is one of the steps in this direction. Being the Warden will give me yet another opportunity to connect children with Nature through outdoor activities. I Hope to get associated with Udaipur schools and associations like BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) for the same.”

Arefa, who has been groomed and raised whilst exploring the jungles with her father, has been widely exposed to wild life and nature. Arefa has contributed her writings in various news papers, journals, magazines and has also authored many books on nature and wild animals.

Her position as Wildlife Warden could positively transform and make better milieu for the Jungles in and around Udaipur district.

inputs by Sohail Khan