Sunday, March 30, 2008

Tiger - Photography - Nature

tiger scent markingstiger breeding behaviourThese photographs are video trimmings of tigers at tiger safari at Kanha National Park. The photos depict tiger biology and habits to some extent...

Tiger spraying pheromones in its territory this is a way indicate to tigress of its presence and warn other male tigers to stay out. The tiger penis is bent in reverse direction and the hormone or urine laden with pheromone is sprayed on tree barks, clump of grass, leaves etc.

mating tigers
Tigers scenting another male tiger or tigress in estrous..ready for mating.


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Tiger on a kill in this case a spotted deer fawn which it had killed couple of hours ago. Tigers hunt mostly in the night but no rule hunger is hunger and it will hunt its prey any time of the day if required. Tigers ignore human beings when they are involved in an activity including rest. This is really surprising as they can be very shy and elusive at times..they are afraid of human beings.
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Tiger are thirsty animals and drink often in a day especially after a meal as in the case of this young tiger. Tigers love water as they are incapable of standing the heat of Indian summers. They move deep into the forest and lie in a shade or dip in a water to cool themselves ...this is known as thermo regulation.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tracking the tiger


Tiger Safari

Tracking tigers in the wild is most exciting and thrilling adventure but only for those who can take disappointment at times in a stride. It is an exhaustive exercise though sometimes the luck favors early.

Like all primary predators tigers leave telltale signs that may lead to the animal. The primary source is the alarm cries of the herbivores and birds who on sighting or scenting the tiger give a typical call. One should be able to make out the vocalization of the tiger. Other indications are the pug marks, excreta and territorial markings.

One needs trained eyes to see tiger which is always in excellent camouflage and of course sensitive ears to hear the alarm cries and tiger calls. Intuition sometimes works but once in blue moon. The reaction and behavioral pattern of the animals too indicates the presence of the Bengal tigers in the forests and grassland ecosystems.

In tiger reserves tracking tigers on the foot is not allowed one must track them while on a jeep which limits accessibility and makes the task more difficult. One must also understand bit of tiger biology and have complete understanding of the ecosystem as whole.

Understanding tiger movements and its habitual routine is also important in fact very important. Knowing the terrain is important as well. This is an exciting profession which requires years of experience. Though I am a freelancer wildlife/content writer of shorts and as an amateur naturalist I get enough opportunity to get the tigers and sometimes handsome tips....

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tiger Tour at Kanha Tiger Reserve

Kanha beckons and again and again. Serenity is salubrious and the grandeur is amazing. It is an exciting amphitheater where tigers rule over man.....majestic...real life Bengal tigers. The amazing diversity invites a large number of tourists, wildlife photographers and researchers.

Over the years wild animal population has increased in the park. This has happened alongside the growth in vegetation and forest canopy. The rivers have become robust, water holes, rivulets, tanks and man made dams retain water for a longer time.

The number of Bengal tigers in the park is steadily increasing thanks to conservation. Kanha National Park will play a key role in saving the tiger from extinction.  

Kanha tiger reserves is the right place for wild Bengal tiger safari in India. Apart from the tiger, Kanha is famous for the Hard ground barasingha (cervus duavcelli branderi) or the swamp deer which was saved form the brink of extinction thanks to dedication and ground breaking research by Dr.George Schaller and Dr. Claude Martin and at the later stage by Dr. Rajesh Gopal former park director and director project tiger.

One can see the spotted deer, barking deer, sambar deer and with luck sloth bear and the leopards. The birds of Kanha are a delight to the bird watchers and tiger watchers alike.

As naturalist, I assist in tracking the tigers, in birding and wildlife watching in general. For bookings and details contact me...Uday Patel