The paper provides reading response of two studies entitled as “Taming the Jungle, Saving the Maya Forest: Sedimented Counterinsurgency Practices in Contemporary Guatemalan” written by Megan Yabrra and “Bio-ironies of the Fractured Forest: India's Tiger Reserves” by Paul Greenough.
Megan Yabrra conducted a study to identify the importance of historically sedimented military practice for protection in the contemporary Guatemala. The author argues that the military has tamped dangerous jungles for managing its counterinsurgency campaigns. The military has used forest and jungle discourses for achieving success in their territorial projects. The author argues that the use of jungle has violated and destroyed the reserve to a great extent. The military activities have affected small farmers and societies as well. International conservation agencies announced the international park system at Maya Forest during the 1980s. However, the agencies never tamed the jungle (Ybarra 480-483). Moreover, Paul Greenough has also considered the protection of forests and tiger reserves. It is reported that a large number of project tigers have found in Indian forests. A significant biological diversification is reported in India that contains one-eighth of total plant species and one-fourteen of total animal special in the world. It shows the importance of forests and jungles in the country for saving the diverse species of animals and plants. Paul Greenough has influenced to save the tigers in the country forests and ensure their genetic variation and reproduction. The author argues that the Indian police have used the country forest to catch the criminal gangs, drug runners, smugglers, and other people. Those criminals are mostly native to forests. Hence, the police have mostly failed to drive them out. The activity has destroyed the country’s forests due to excessive use of vehicles, helicopters, and other weapons. It affected flowers and animals that are living in these forests. Project tigers are in the most difficult situation and their reserves are decreasing in the country. On the other hand, the police practices have affected employees working in the forest, small villagers, and other officials (Slater 168-172).
It could be noted from both studies that they talk about the harmful effects of human activity on the natural habitat in different countries. The inclusion of human activity in such areas has a catastrophic impact on the environment and living species that live in these areas. It could be argued that both authors aim to raise awareness about the issue and restrict human intervention in forests and parks. Although both studies indicate that the police and military forces are carrying out necessary activities in such area, they should give more consideration to protecting the area and species that live there. Both authors have used credible sources of information to shed light on deforestation and putting life of endangered species at risk. After reviewing both studies, it is found that the authors have concerned about saving the national reserves and forests in the world. Both have identified common reasons for the destruction of forests and their habitat. They identify the activities of police and military forces in the area that have a negative impact on forests and species. The arguments they have provided are well researched and documented which clearly indicates that the claims made by both authors are substantial and valid. Paul Greenough and Megan Yabrra argue the activities of the armed forces in India and Central America are affecting natural habitat. Forests are homes for animals, plants, and some people who are directly affected due to those activities. It is important to save the national reserves, parks, forest, animals, and other living beings. The forces should focus on different consequences before conducting any operations in forest and deserts.
Works Cited
Slater, Candace. "In Search of the Rain Forest". U.S: Duke University Press, 2004.
Ybarra, Megan. "Taming the jungle, saving the Maya Forest: Sedimented Counterinsurgency Practices in Contemporary Guatemalan Conservation." The Journal of Peasant Studies (2012): 479-502.
