Misreporting biodiversity loss due to invasive species escalates social tension

Abstract

In a 2010 article titled 'Fish finishing off Navegaon Ratsnake' in TNN, reported that the invasive fish species 'tilapia' aka 'koi' was introduced to Navegaon National Park’s Forest Lake by the recently settled Bengali camp migrants. The invasive species destroyed native aquatic species, affecting fishermen's livelihoods, resulting in Ratsnake’s decline and thus affecting the farmers' overall livelihood too. The onus of invasive species destroying the native ones came on the migrants leading to community clashes and their eventual relocation. We employed an ethnomethodological lens to gather data on the act using turn-by-turn interview methods. Results reveal that Tilapia fish entered naturally through agricultural run-off from a local villager's pond, contradicting journalists' reporting on biodiversity loss and community clash. However, the locals adopted the techniques of neutralization to cover their guilt. Misreporting unjustly labelled the camp migrants as criminals. This narrative weaves a complex tapestry of human migration, ecological disruption, and social conflict, underscoring the critical need for accurate reporting, scientific collaboration, and awareness to address the intricate challenges communities face in the proximity of delicate ecosystems.