Unfortunately due to the overwhelming amount of assignments that I have left to complete as the end of this spring semester quickly approaches, I was unable to make time to arrange an interview with a local individual who is employed in my desired career field. However, I have looked through a handful of informal interviews published online from individuals who are Environmental Conservationists and Wildlife Biologists. One interview in particular that stood out to me was one conducted with the well known conservationist Dr. George Schaller. As a veteran ecologist, Dr George Schaller has worked with conservation organizations such as The Wildlife Conservation Society and Panthera. He has also traveled to Asia, Africa, and South America in order to study and protect endangered species. In November of 2011, Dr. Schaller was invited to attend the Global Buddhist conference, where he shared his life’s work and morals as a Wildlife Conservationist. I consider Dr. Schaller to be a very inspirational man because like myself, he has a strong passion and appreciation for wildlife and the environment.
Questions for Dr Schaller:
What is your inspiration for conducting natural history work?
“I like to watch animals. Just to see what they do. I like to write biographies of different animal species. I also feel a very strong moral obligation to help protect what I study. I have been involved in wildlife science and conservation for sixty years now. I want to do it for another sixty years but that may not happen.”
What is your view on the differing philosophies of animal rights, animal welfare and conservation?
“Animal rights has a basis as do animal rights activists. So does animal welfare. Sentient beings have a right to exist. As a biologist, I look at the preservation of the species rather than the individual.However, as I said, all these concepts have intrinsic value and should be used to save species and their habitat. Every area contains thousands of animals and plants that are all part of an ecosystem. ”
Which figures in conservation in the world have inspired you the most?
I think Aldo Leopold’s book ‘A Sand County Almanac’ should be necessary reading for every conservationist. I like the work of Edward O Wilson and the way he synthesizes knowledge and his broadness of intellect. Sir Peter Scott had great communication skills and did a lot to raise awareness on wildlife in Britain and elsewhere. I also admire the works of David Attenborough and Jane Goodall. Attenborough promotes wildlife issues superbly and I have known Jane for the past fifty years.
How would you like to be remembered?
“I would like to be remembered as having contributed to conservation in countries where I have encouraged young conservationists to continue this work. This will be my lasting legacy.”
How do you think different countries can cooperate for conservation?
“I want to study and save wildlife and have no other agenda. I have worked in countries with widely different social systems. There can be good transborder conservation initiatives like the International Peace Parks Initiative between Tajikistan, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This project will help to save Snow Leopards and Marco Polo Sheep and contribute to the livelihood of the local pastoralists by protecting their rangelands. For example, India can undertake conservation initiatives with China in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a must to have international cooperation at the global level as well as regionally for effective conservation.”