Chennai, June 4 (IANS): Wildlife conservation is not possible with regulation alone, said a top agricultural scientist.

M.S. Swaminathan, founder of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation said: "Wildlife conservation will be possible only if there is concurrent attention to education, social mobilisation and regulation. Regulation alone will not be adequate unless it is supported by community interest and action."

"In our country, such precious wildlife like the one-horned rhino and the tiger are endangered because of their value in trade," he said in a statement.

Following the UN Conference on human environment held in Stockholm in 1972, June 5 of every year is observed as the World Environment Day.

Each year a sharp focus is given to the objectives of the day. This year's theme is Go Wild for Life and the aim is to stimulate interest in all species under threat and promote zero tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife.

Swaminathan said the one-horned rhino population in Assam and neighbouring areas is decreasing because they are being hunted for their horns.

Punishment alone will not result in the desired impact. This is why regulations have to be accompanied by education and group endeavour, he added.