Calling the hunting proposal “reactionary and misinformed,” the collective demanded the commissioning of independent, multidisciplinary studies into the root causes of human-wildlife conflict, including land-use change, climate impacts, and invasive species. They urged the state to focus on habitat restoration, conflict-preventive planning, and community-based coexistence models instead of punitive measures against wildlife.

“If Kerala as a literate state can’t uphold ethical, ecologically sound practices, who else can?” the statement questions, comparing India’s legal framework to Australia and Europe, where humane pest control and public ethics are central to wildlife governance.

The appeal was signed by conservationists, scientists, and activists, including representatives from SPCA Idukki, Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi Wayanad, Environment Protection and Research Council Thiruvananthapuram, and the Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society.

The statement concludes with a call for the state government to “protect, not persecute,” and to invest in long-term, evidence-based solutions that preserve both human safety and ecological integrity.