Introduction:
Under colonial rule, the scale of hunting increased significantly, leading to the near-extinction of various species. This was primarily due to several factors related to the policies and practices adopted by the colonial powers.

Impact of Colonial Policies:
1. Commercial Interests: The colonial powers had a strong commercial interest in hunting. They hunted animals for their fur, skin, horns, and other valuable parts, which were then exported back to Europe for profit.

2. Trophy Hunting: Colonial officials and European settlers engaged in trophy hunting as a symbol of power and dominance. They hunted animals solely for recreational purposes, often targeting large and rare species.

3. Infrastructure Development: The colonial powers focused on infrastructure development, including railways, roads, and towns. This led to the destruction of natural habitats and increased accessibility to previously inaccessible areas, making hunting easier.

4. Indigenous Hunting Practices: The colonial authorities restricted the hunting rights of indigenous communities, who relied on hunting for their subsistence. This led to a decline in traditional hunting practices and the loss of their ecological knowledge, resulting in an imbalance in the ecosystem.

5. Market Demand: The colonial powers created a demand for exotic animal products, such as ivory, feathers, and animal skins, in the international market. This increased the pressure on local hunters to meet the growing demands, often leading to overhunting and depletion of animal populations.

Consequences:
1. Loss of Biodiversity: The rampant hunting resulted in the near-extinction of several species, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This loss of biodiversity had long-term ecological consequences.

2. Disruption of Ecosystem: The decline in predator populations, such as tigers and leopards, led to an increase in herbivore populations. This, in turn, resulted in overgrazing and damage to vegetation, affecting the overall ecosystem health.

3. Impact on Indigenous Communities: The restriction on hunting rights adversely affected the livelihoods and cultural practices of indigenous communities, leading to social and economic hardships.

4. Conservation Efforts: The depletion of wildlife populations under colonial rule eventually led to the recognition of the need for conservation efforts. This realization prompted the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of wildlife conservation policies.

Conclusion:
Under colonial rule, the scale of hunting increased due to commercial interests, trophy hunting, infrastructure development, indigenous hunting restrictions, and market demand. The consequences included loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and adverse effects on indigenous communities. However, the negative impacts eventually led to the recognition of the need for conservation efforts.