Every year, our state conducts wildlife censuses with great pomp and splendor. We are presented with data on the crocodile population of Bhitarkanika and the arrival of migratory birds in the azure waters of Chilika. We rejoice when the numbers of tigers and elephants increase, and hundreds of crores are allocated for their conservation. This is undoubtedly a welcome step, as the protection of wildlife is indispensable for maintaining biodiversity. Yet, amidst these counts and statistics, we seem to have forgotten the most precious treasures of nature—those who have remained rooted in one place for centuries, gifting us life. These.......