Muchmucha Tigers

A Wildlife Safari at Muchmucha

Night had set in by the time we reached Kuan village on road to Barhi and turned in for Muchmucha. It was going to be a tiring night and exciting as well, I could feel the coming in my bones. As we moved on I saw a pair of Chinkara then a Jackal and Spotted deer...things had started to happen. 

After negotiating a rough road with  lots of bends and turns we finally reached the Old Hunting Lodge at Muchmucha. The lodge belongs to Avinash Pathak landlords of Katni District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The lodge as I had imagined was a colonial style structure with touch of class. Modernity only exists as electricity for some hours, antique, appealing furniture and stylish cutlery. But refurnish exercise is being planned for travelers. The hunting lodge stands out imposingly amidst the rustic dwelling of the tribal.  

The folks hang around the lodge whenever Avinash Bhai is there. They come to pay their obeisance to a family that has nurtured them since ages.

Jeep Safari

I finally settled down for a brief rest in the bedroom. Till this day the grand lodge is as it was built. Neat clean and spacious with old style bathrooms in the vicinity. The hunting lodge has been host to large number of top brass who came here for hunt and to enjoy the family's gracious hospitality.   

There are no trophies anymore, but photographs of wild animals adorn the whitewashed walls. Steeped deep into nature conservation the owners now work for preservation of local wilderness. 

While sitting by the fireside we decided to explore the surroundings. Our night safari began at two o'clock and it had become cold Brrrrrr! We traversed a short distance from the village and soon entered the confines of dense forest. I was expecting a scanty denuded forest but was surprised by dense canopy all around. We crisscrossed through the rough jungle road on the old Willys Jeep in expectation. Soon we were greeted by a small gathering of barking deer foraging in grass amidst tall stands.   

The night safari went on, and in the halo of the starry night we came across nocturnal animals like civets, porcupines and fox. Night jars and Eurasian Thicknee were in plentiful. The eyes of Nilgai and Samabar shone like sparkling diamonds in the darkness.  After an exciting safari we finally headed for the lodge, happy and contended. 

No tigers here eh?

Avinash Bhai gave a benign smile and beckoned me to retire..it was four thirty AM. I received the answer next morning as locals who came to greet the landlord informed us about two cattle kills. One about four hundred meters from the lodge and the other near neighboring Barmani village.   

The kills were made by the young adult tigers, recently separated from the mother, the herdsmen informed us.  Much earlier a tigress with cubs was spotted near the village often. Strips of forest make in roads into the surroundings near the village. Or rather the expanding human habitation has stripped the dense forests on village border. Fields intrude in what was once a dense patch of woodland.

Part of dense Bandhavgarh canopy small belts of the forest encircle the village. Muchmucha is about 25 km as the crow flies from the park and about 30 km of drive.   

On closure inspection the surmise came out to be true. The cattle was much larger than we had expected. It was a clean kill with canine punctures on throat that ruptured the arteries. There was no messing around as leopard do with kills larger than they are made for. The pugmarks around seemed to be that of a young tigress and we followed them till the water hole. We came here again in that night but could not see the tiger. The animal had eaten more of the hind part and had probably slipped into the darkness on hearing the jeep. In order not to disturb the animal at kill, we stopped crossing through this area and hoped that we will sight it in the neighborhood.       

Being so close to human habitation the shy behavior was evident and there was no movement during the daytime. We heard alarm cries often, but by the time we reached the spots the animal moved into the forest. The other kill was probably the work of a male since it was made right in the cowshed of a large dwelling and dragged into to the neighboring forest for consumption. The kill at Muchmucha was made by a tigress and she was not big enough to drag it into the canopy. Hence she could consume only at night that to with great difficulty as it lay near an open field. After a two days of feasting she probably moved into the dense forests some distance away?   

We stayed at Muchmucha and explored the surroundings for safaris and bird watching which was our purpose. The old hunting lodge is to be turned into an ethnic accommodation for night/day safaris and birding. It is highly suited for niche travelers nature lovers and birders. Those interested in ethnic stay and rural experience alongside exciting wildlife safaris in India. The plan is to offer a combined holiday experience of local culture, day and night safaris and bird watching. A trip to Bandhavgarh tourism zone is possible on request. This will be good for those interested in exploring the tiger reserves neighborhood and visit to Bamera Tank, Umrar River, Marzad Garh and Muchmucha forests. This part of the tiger reserve has not been explored yet for tourism and is much exciting. The tour is being promoted online on Indiana Safari Website. 

It was a fun stay at Muchmucha and I could get the feel of old days. The lodge is a grand affair of simplicity that makes life possible in remote areas. The offerings though simple have a touch if class in colonial style - the days of the British Raj.   

The Muchmucha village of 400 is on the way to progress. But I am sure it will retain its wilderness in the surroundings though not in immediate confines as it is now. The animals we could see suggested of good population of spotted deer, samabar, wild boar, langurs, barking deer and Nilgai the desired prey of the tigers. There are many leopard sightings taking place where ever the forest exists. One can come across sloth bear, wild dog and perhaps Hyena and Wolf? Highly endangered animals beside the tigers find shelter here. The prime example is the Chinkara which has lost large grounds in Madhya Pradesh. A proper population estimate of animals especially the Chinkara would require subsequent time to be spent here. The place is rich in forest birds and combined with expeditions at near by wetlands, scrub and fields the birding is exciting. 

The cattle kills though suggestive of the vanishing tiger augurs threat to the big cat. Humans think of themselves firsts and more incidence like these would lead to the cleansing syndrome.   

Will it? or Will not?

It is an animal with head under guillotine blade. And the question asked is, will it or will it not become extinct? In fact the situation is so precarious that there is no surety as to what the next population count will reveal. The animal once roamed in large numbers as the King of forests now lives as a pet cat in protected areas.  

This year I saw few tigers on birding trips in Corbett and Kanha National Parks. But there was hardly any joy or thrill the sighting generated remorse and lot of thinking.  For it is now a possibility that coming generations may not see this magnificent animal in the wild.. The burgeoning humanity and political wranglings have made the protected area insecure. 

One visit to Kanha and Corbett periphery will give you and idea of what I am trying to confer through my blog. In seventies a visit to Kanha would have been an experience sans humanity around it. There were few small tribal villages but not the urbanity you see today. Though land had been opened up there were present pockets of pristine forests which made your journey towards the park an enchanting experience. 

Tourism is good for conservation but it certainly needs a looking into. This kind of congregation should certainly be reduced around all parks. If it is urgent to relocate tribal villages from within the confines of the Buffer and core zones than it is also imperative to relocate budding establishments and private houses a respectable distance away. The latter may not happen since it is impractical keeping the costs in mind. But henceforth further construction should be stopped immediately. They new construction should be pushed back far way at least a radius of ten km from any ecosystem taking into account that open scrub constitutes an ecosystem for hyena, wolf, Nilgai and other open country animals.

Managing such large human populations is not easy but then we have usurped so much area that constitutes natural home for other life forms. And the savage ingress goes on... Can we not increase some more area wherever possible and reduce the interference of this destructive species Homo erectus? 

In cities land has been taken over by the Government in order to build wider and better road networks. A due consideration has been forwarded. Can we not find solution for villages around areas of natural heritage. Such that relocation succeeds and is permanent. But the local politics does not understand all this. Many are not capable of understanding or appreciating natural phenomenons. For most such places are more of an irritant a challenge to their management capabilities. The worst - Vote politics.

The buffer zones are no more secure from poachers and wood loggers then they were before. Although it is impossible to guard such a vast area but there should be some mechanism in place. There was lot of controversy in Kanha regarding discovery of deadly metal traps or snares within the core. Although by all means Kanha is one of the best managed parks in India. But than we thought nearly the same of Sariska and Panna - look what happened.

The beat guards and foresters are helpless whence confronted by goons or organized gangs of poachers. Some of them are in league with poachers. Many wrong doers may have political shelter or be powerful enough themselves. I keep on reading that very few people have been convicted in wildlife crimes.  Why? The crimes are rampant the media informs us.        
 

Department of Wildlife Health & Disease Management

Established in Yr. 2001 the Department of Wildlife Health & Management conducts disease surveillance, disease treatment, health monitoring, research and training. The institute is based in  Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is active in disease diagnosis and forensic relating  to wildlife. The faculty is not limited to this and plays active part in providing support to anti poaching authorities. It is helpful in terms of conducting post-mortem, collecting and presenting evidence in courts. A large number of poachers have been convicted thanks to the support provided by the Hon. Dean Dr. A.B. Shrivastava and his team.


On spot treatment of injured wild animals, birds and reptiles is forte of this center. It has developed into a full fledged center for wildlife forensic and health management in year 2010. The department provides veterinary support to all protected areas of Central India. Dr.Shrivastava and his team offers yeoman service to this important aspect of nature conservation. They have been active as silent crusaders providing succor to helpless wildlife since number of years.      

The dept. is a part of Veterinary University Jabalpur an institution conducting training on comprehensive veterinary sciences. The team has performed selflessly since number of years and gained experience while treating injured and sick animals like tigers, spotted deer, hyena, leopards, cobra, mugger, to name a few. Health care, first aid and life saving treatments is provided to birds as well. The efforts have saved life of many endangered species and provided succor to many.

The center's contribution: Research Diagnostic - Scientific Reports

FPL in big cats

Rabies in Sloth Bear

TB in Spotted Deer

TB in Hanuman Langur - Sariska Tiger Reserve

TB in Sloth Bear

Lymphoid leucosis - Peafowl

Haemangioma - Tiger

Ascending Duodenal Invagination - Leopard. 

Sarcocystois - Hard Ground Barasingha

Gasthrothylax - Swamp Deer

Paragonimus infection - Bengal Tiger

Pasteurellosis infection - Tigers - Elephant

Colibacillosis - Wild Dogs

The department co-ordinates in rescue and translocation operations in tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.  Its capability in immobilization technique is a great asset that provides vital support to the protected areas and reserved forests in MP. Besides provides relief from wild animals that have ventured closed to human settlements and villages.   

The Department of Wildlife Health & Management also provides training to field staff of forest department, students and students from foreign countries. With limited funding and infrastructure the institute has created a new paradigm in wildlife conservation.  All help and encouragement is welcome.

Leopard in India:What About it!

Big Cats Too Near

It is a sad story, all the euphoria created by the Project Tiger is gone. Tiger lovers, conservationist, NGOs are having a nightmarish premonition - a mini doomsday. The leopard in India is facing the same fate, perhaps worst. All the attention is centered around the tiger and nothing wrong about it. But it is high time same status is provided to the leopard in India. 

When the Nation talks about Cheetah relocation it only suggests that our conservation is tourism oriented and perhaps leaning on jingoistic pride. There is nothing wrong with well managed tiger tourism since its benefits  are impressive. And there is nothing wrong with possessive approach towards our wild heritage ...but is this enough?   

We who boast so much of belonging to an oldest civilization on Earth. Especially with all shorts of conservation ethos ingrained in the Vedas and Hindu scriptures. Yet we are struggling to save one of the most ecologically important animal on Earth. 

In spite of all the efforts - lot many constructive - we are not succeeding in preserving tiger footsteps from vanishing. Why so? Perhaps if we delve deeper into conserving the leopard lot  more truth will surface. In fact active leopard conservation will open more innovative methods to save the tiger.

The leopard is known to exhibit immense survival extinct, but in spite, it is loosing ground fast in India. The major conflict is with the our society that is concerned about itself and presumes ownership of the Earth as a human prerogative.           

The man animal conflict as regards to the leopard is more intense than with the tiger. By natural instinct the animal avoids conflict with tigers and hence many are forced to survive in outer areas of our forests with dense human population. 

Lets be sure human settlements near forest areas live  with scant regard or even in abject fear of wild animals... more so due to myth, unseen fear and sometimes actual conflict and sufferings. That we have encroached in their land (other life forms) has become a hearsay. The perspective remains the same as it was whence the animals were declared vermin and shot ruthlessly by butchers of the past.     

I have interacted with many villagers around the periphery of tiger habitats,  most of them have no love for the tigers or leopards - expect those benefiting directly from their existence. We have to understand that they are in the same mold as lot many of us are...a snake to be conserved is fine ....as long as it is not in our garden or house. The tigers and leopards are very much in the garden of locals around the periphery of the reserves.  The threat perception exists, walk down to a village where cattle lifter is present or human tragedy has occurred and you will soon find out. Locals can act as big deterrent to poachers.

Only people benefiting from tiger's existence have interest in its survival for the rest it is their own survival that matters and nothing else. (And oops! Tiger lovers, conservationists, NGO and all like minded people are sincerely making efforts to save the species in India).

Would the direct beneficiaries have the same feel for the leopard? Not  so much since the animal is less publicized and less sought after as a  visual delight. Let us be sure people rarely understand ecosystem and food chain concept...it is sentiments that are fueling their conservation ethos. And why not? A large number of people are acting as pressure groups today than earlier. This is thanks to tiger tourism. that imparts  benefits to unemployed  - as forest guides, resort workers, Jeep owners, accommodation providers, retailers and many others. An example of value added conservation for sure.  (Ask a guide at Taj and you will know how much he values the monument.)

In recent news more than hundred fifty leopards have been poached or killed in India. 

The news article will assure you that the leopard is a neglected cousin. Perhaps if we strive hard to conserve this extremely beleaguered animal in India it may throw open new insights in big cat conservation as whole. 

In the present circumstances tiger crisis reeks of multifarious angle - human society, democratic urgency, poaching, Chinese medicine (sic), inherent corruption, conflict and self centered priorities. Our attitude is shameless as perceiving the the Earth as our prerogative... take a peek in every day life opinions, it  will confirm this.  

Where does the buck stop! Will we frame rules that says this is our and this is theirs and this is for sharing. Properly defined extensive inviolate areas are key to wildlife conservation in India. Protected areas mind you cover barely two or three percent of 32 lakh sq km that is India.

Why properly defined? Anyone who has been to Kanha in earlier times knows that some areas were habitats of Indian wolf, hyena and other open country animals. The protection status was created totally bereft of the presence of these animals - areas were humans have moved in now. The animals are scarce now by all means.

Pench National Park

Seoni the famous little township in Madhya Pradesh near Jabalpur is surrounded by dense forests that are referred as Seoni Hills. Rudyard Kipling in "Jungle Book"  describes the escapade of child reared by wolf pack. It is said that Lt.Moor a British first sighted Mowgli near the village of Sant Vavadi. Capt. Sleeman wrote an account of Mowgli in his book "Rambles and Recollections". 

Kipling is said to have visited Seoni Hills which were then contiguous with what is now Kanha National Park. The British writer made Mowgli the wolf child immortal by writing "Jungle Book". The Seoni Hills are part of Central Indian Highlands that Capt Forsyth accounted for in his book "The Highlands of Central India". 

The British loved to explore and what better scape than that of "Jewel in the Crown". The exploratory zeal contributed a lot to understanding the natural history of India. The taxonomic classification of  Indian wild animals and birds was efficiently carried out by wild life lovers and English ornithologist during the British Raj.

Pench National Park a tiger reserve is part of Seoni Hills and tigers survive here. A wolf pack was seen on road to Turia Gate from Khawasa few years back. But the expanding humanity is driving peripheral wildlife out of their preferred habitats all over in the tiger reserve.


Pench biodiversity is impressive. A dry deciduous mixed forest, the preserve supports wide variety of Central Indian mammals. The terrain is undulating with low lying hills, grassy valleys and dense forest canopies. It is home to tigers, leopards, wolf, wild dog, bison, sambar deer and four horned deer. Barking deers are sen often while squirrel, jungle cat, nilgai, spotted deer, langur, rhesus macaque, wild boar and jackals are commonly seen. Fox, ratel, civet cats,  hyena, and porcupine are by nature nocturnal. Sloth bear and leopard are seen with luck. Recent leopard sightings have been surprisingly frequent.  

Pench has more than seven hundred bison or gaur. The coarse feeders are a prominent feature of the park with large herds sighted often. The wolf once common is a rare sight suggesting an endangered status. Like is all tiger reserve of Central India hyena is not sighted often. This is due to occupation of open country and scrub forest habitats by villages and resorts in the immediate periphery.

The bird life is rich but requires more work to be done by ornithologists. Raptors are very visible and so are many other birds. Along with Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Nauradehi WLS, Pench is ideal for forest birding.  The latter two offer wetland bird sightings as well. Though very popular for tiger safari birding in the tiger reserves is on increase. Pench offers exciting potential for bird watching tours in Madhya pradesh in India.

Tree line is mix with scattered patches of bamboo perhaps planted . Neither Teak nor Sal dominates here the latter appears to be very scarce.  Lyndia, Saja, Kullu, Harra, Bahera, Dhak, Tendu, Kosum, Salai, Haldu, Bija are common floral elements along with dazzling mix of herbs and shrubs. Grassland and edaphic meadows are feeding grounds of herbivores.       

Pench River is the life line of this ecosystem but dries out to a large extant in summers. The Totlah Doh Hydroelectric Dam has a submergence are of more than fifty square km of what was once the finest forest zone in the reserve. Water holes are scattered but support wildlife in the park. 

Tiger conservation has been successful in the reserve but the danger of poaching are evident as few year back tiger and other animals were electrocuted right next to the Karmajhiri RH. In case of lack of vigilance the National Park could face poaching incidences that could endanger the tiger and other animals.

Pench is accessible from Nagpur airport a good eighty km of drive while it is approx 200 km from Jabalpur which is connected by air service from New Delhi. It is six to seven hours drive to Kanha National Park from here.

Accommodation is in plenty with many jungle resorts available along with luxury hotels and many jungle camps.  Accommodation ranges from budget to super luxurious. During holiday rush one needs to book rooms or jungle plans in advance. The entry to the park is limited an safari should be booked much in advance.

All seasons are good for wildlife watching but winters are best for birding as migrants add up the numbers of species. Combining your tiger safari tour with a visit to Kanha National Park would add to your experience of wildlife safaris in Central India.        

Kanha Wildlife

Though the tiger is the main attraction in Kanha the park is home to many wild animals in India. The most attractive mega fauna is of course the rare hard ground swamp deer. This sub species of deer is found only at Kanha and is surviving precariously after a remarkable come back from brink of extinction. The deer was saved in the nick of the time. 

Indian bison or Gaur is an ox race  and is doing well in the park. Around 1976 disease rinderpest and FPL either of the two wiped out a large population. Thankfully the population has recovered and herds can be seen at Kisli range in summers. There has to be strict implementation of inoculating live stock in the surroundings. 

Samabar deer the largest in the Asia survives in good numbers here and can be seen often especially in the evening hours. Sambar along with the ubiquitous spotted deer constitutes the main prey base of the tigers in the wild.     

On tiger safaris one can see barking deer, four horned deer and of late the mouse deer has been discovered in the park. The leopard is often seen with luck and so is the sloth bear. Wild dogs are seen more often in Kanha and Kisli ranges. Langurs, wild boars, rhesus macaque, jackal and peacock are widespread in the preserve and regularly seen.One can take a peak at the Indian python around the numerous water holes.

During a night safari outside the park confines one can come across many nocturnal animals - civets, hare, ratel, porcupine and perhaps hyena or wolf. Late evening hours are ideal for sighting leopards on night safaris. Park safari inside the park is not allowed hence one should drive along common roads in the periphery. Using flash light is not advisable. 

The ensuing tiger chase prevents experiencing the over all diversity of flora and fauna in the preserve. The focus of attention on tiger safaris is the tiger. This is understandable as the animal holds mesmerizing charisma and a mystic appeal among most humans. Nevertheless once you have encountered a tiger then go in for a holistic appraisal of the landscape, wildlife and bird life in order to make your visit meaningful. 

The tiger is usually sighted on jeep safari in four or five rounds but in most cases  tiger sighting would  take place in one and two rounds. Tiger show much touted as cola show lets many tourists have a close look at this nature's wonder. The sight of the tiger is the wild is amazing experience and turns many into sympathizers of our wilderness.         

For regular visitors the park offers a chance to study Kanha wildlife and birds as amateurs this is good. Awareness of our nature helps us conserve better. There are many wildlife photographers visiting the National Park especially during the hot months of summer.  Summer sunshine and animal congregation  around  water holes is ideal for wildlife and tiger photography.

Birding is exciting in the park with more than two hundred species to be seen during winters. Of late bird watching trips are being organized by tour operators of India. Kanha offers the best in Central India forest birding.

Eco Resorts at Kanha

Tiger tourism is one of the main draw of the visitors from foreign countries and the locals. Tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench in Madhya Pradesh are very popular for tiger safaris. Corbett National Park and Ranthambhore are also very popular for tiger tourism in India. 

In spite of large number of National Parks/Tiger Reserves greater tourism is limited to the above forests. The reason is high density of tigers and hence easy visibility. Though tigers are present in good numbers elsewhere especially in South India the visibility is lacking due to nature of the habitat. Periyar and Wynaad are examples.

To cater to ever increasing numbers of tourists on tiger safaris the accommodation has been steadily increasing. Initially the rest houses belonging to forest and other government departments were the only places one could stay. In recent times the influx of hotels, jungle camps and resorts has been catering to the tourists.

The concept of holiday accommodation in Indian jungle is steadily changing. The tourists prefer fully equipped wildlife resorts for a stay. These resorts are now being built on the principle of sustainable eco friendly tourism. The ambiances though highly modern is built on the exteriors were eco friendly sustainable resources have been used.      

Most of the eco resorts are built using the same technology as the ethnic dwellings of the tribal villages. Kanha Tiger Preserve leads in this aspect. The new concept has been encouraged by responsible eco friendly tourism which is the need of the hour. Even the energy is obtained from solar panels as much as possible. Though for temperature control electricity is a must. But much of the power is generated using solar panels.  

The ethnic construction is environmentally well heeled and cottages and rooms maintain an amiable temperature reducing the need for temperature control. As in ethnic dwellings the walls are used using locally available mud in conjunction with natural materials used by the tribal. The construction is safe, stable and rock solid as has been proved through centuries.    

The appearance of the resorts is that of beautifully sculptured dwellings in harmony with the surroundings. All this, without sacrificing modern comforts and utilities that the guests look for in luxury accommodations. The eco resorts are well equipped with wildlife interpretation center, trained naturalists, and professional managers and wait staff. The resorts offer in house activities relating to eco tourism iike tribal dance and music - this way they provide lively hood to the locals.   

In time to come eco friendly resorts at Kanha will be the preferred accommodation.  The tourists on wildlife safari do not wish for city type hotels anymore in wild habitats. With increasing tourism awareness of our wild heritage is growing among the tourists. They are more and more becoming conscious of responsible tourism practices.

Kanha and other tiger reserves our life sustaining eco systems. The support vast diversity of life forms with which our lives are linked. Conducting proper tourism will help save these vital ecosystems, and sustain lives of the local communities as well. The tribal are the real sentinels who conserve our green belts. 

Bandavgarh Tiger Safari

Gopal - Bapu

Gopal is a cousin, friend and fellow wild lifer. He is much more - a businessman, nature photographer and birding enthusiast. Since years of our association, he has matured into an interesting person especially when it comes to wildlife and nature.

He relishes good life and leaves no stone unturned whence it comes to enjoying nature. 

Apart from his interest in nature he is an excellent photographer ....amateur if you call him since he is not full time into it. Here are some images he and his friends captured on tiger tour to Bandhavgarh. It was difficult to sort out from the lot since all images carry heart and soul.

The images have been captured by Ila Ben S Dalal (nee Ambani), Shrujal and Gopal Desai.

Patdi Durbar

Apart from interest in tigers, he is knowledgeable about flora, fauna and bird life of the Little Rann of Kutch. He is regular visitor to Patdi Estate near Ahmedabad in Gujarat where they own a beautiful palace as erstwhile rulers of the Desert Kingdom. Patdi Durbar as the family is known are enthusiastic nature lovers and Gopal tops the list.

His experience and adventures of desert life....of things and places, fills one with envy. Besides the luxury tents, camp fire and sumptuous food he has many an experiences and wild tales to narrate. He is  a generous host and can give you the wildest adventure of the Desert Kingdom. True to his Royal Blood, he lives life King Size!  

He is a regular visitor to Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh and other tiger reserves in Madhya  Pradesh and elsewhere where he photographs wildlife. He has been visiting Gir National Park and other sanctuaries in Gujarat often. He has an interesting collection of photographs of wild animals and birds from the tiger reserves and National Parks.

I will blog more images with time to come..... 

Indian wildlife enthusiasts NGOs & Wildlife Lovers

As New Year Greeting!! I mention below NGOs which are doing a lot to protect our wildlife and environment.

Wildlife Lovers

Indian is haven for wildlife and wildlife lovers. More popularly known as nature lovers. These are people who are involved with nature in many ways. Some are nature conservationist and protect wildlife as part of NGO. Many are wildlife photographers and some are like me who sometimes write about nature conservation and work as freelance nature guides. Many just appreciate and respect all forms of life on earth. Some way or other these people also play a part in conserving nature and environment.

Indian wildlife lovers tour extensively in their pursuit to discover and see endemic and rare wild animals, birds and reptiles. Not only India, wildlife enthusiasts from all over the World appreciate and play active role in conservation.  There are many NGOs/Individuals from India and in Europe mainly in USA and UK who work to conserve rare species in India. They are the voice of the people who impress upon the policy makers to take right decisions where in other forms of life get protection and sanctuary in the country.

WWF plays an active role in nature conservation all over the World. While NGOs like BNHS are active in nature conservation and creating awareness among Indians.  The society publishes a journal which is very informative and scientific in nature. It also publishes and informative magazine.

WPSI or Wildlife Protection Society of India plays active role in comprehending wildlife criminals and preventing crimes against nature.  The society is active in conservation of tigers, leopards and other wildlife species in India facing threats. Like wise WTI and Ranthambhore Foundation also work for nature conservation.

Even wildlife photographic magazines like Sanctuary Asia offer lot of information on Indian wildlife and conservation measure that are being taken today. The magazine explores niche as well as less popular destinations for its readers.There are many proactive societies which do not find mention here but the list below may have their details.

Nature photography workshop & wildlife safari

Hotel Celebration Group will organize another wildlife photography workshop in the month of November 2009 at:

Kanha National Park ..................................14th to 17th November 2009

Bandhavgarh National Park .......................17th to 20th November 2009

In Madhya Pradesh the above tiger reserves are the best places to see tiger and Indian wildlife. This is a unique opportunity to learn all about nature photography alongside with acclaimed wildlife photographer Mr. Kalyan Verma...

More details in wildlife photography workshop.....

Work Shop: Photography of tigers

Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wildlife Photography Work Shop at Kanha

21st to 24th May 09

Photography workshop organized by Hotel Celebration at Kanha National Park. The workshop offers unique opportunity for budding wildlife and nature photographers to get first hand lesson in the art. The workshop will be conducted by acclaimed wildlife photographer Mr. Kalyan Verma.

The workshop at Kanha has three components:

Photo Sessions in the Park with Kalyan Verma.
Learn to photograph tigers and other wild animals.

Work shop in class room session by Kalyan Verma.
Get first hand knowledge techniques employed in Wildlife Photography.

Discussion with and demonstration by Kalyan Verma.
Discussions and demos of vast range of techniques.

Accommodation will be provided by Van Vilas Celebration Resort at Kanha National Park at Mocha. The Cost for attending the workshop is Rs.12200 per person twin sharing basis. For single occupancy extra Rs.2000 has to be paid over Rs12200.

What all is Included in Cost? *
All Park Fee *
Accommodation based on double occupancy *
All 3 meals inclusive with morning and evening tea*
Services of guide and jeep driver.

What is Not Included in the cost?

* Your travel charges to and back to your hometown.
* Elephant ride.
* Tipping
* Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes.
* Alcoholic beverages and sodas
* Laundry, phone and other items.

For Registration - Please contact:

Rajesh Singh
Phone : 9425203151
Email : vanvilaskanha@yahoo.com

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For queries contact:
kalyan@rtns.org

Tiger Photographer at Bandhavgarh

Tiger pictures by Micheal Vickers from Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India.

Indian wildlife

Wildlife of India

India is gifted with diverse habitats that overwhelms a visitor on each and every visit. The landscape is unique and amazing.

From cold climate of the Himalayas to Hot deserts of Rajasthan. In East there are tropical forests and to the West affinity with Ethiopian zoo geographical region. Hence the lion in Gujarat at Gir famous for it's Asiatic lion safari which have become very popular. And the famous Sunder bans National Park in West Bengal the abode of the Bengal tigers. The plains of Ganges delta differ much fro Indian peninsular region and so does the wilderness.

In the south Wildlife of Kerala the and true tropical forests in Western ghats. Southern culture differs from Western and Northern cultures in India and so does the cultures of the East. The diversity of India compliments in wildlife and biodiversity which changes as fast as the language and culture does after every hundred kilometers.

India has more mammalian species as compared to Africa and so is the number of Indian bird species. the bird species in India amounts to thirteen percent plus of the total species of birds in the World.

The insect and reptilian life is unique and yet to be discovered. From point to point region to region wildlife differs and how it does write to me Uday Patel from India.

Tiger in the Bush

On my recent visit to Kanha, last week in June, I had a tough time locating tigers. It had rained a day before I arrived and continued to rain intermittently spoiling the tiger safari. Except for herds of Chittal and occasional sightings of Sambar deer it was difficult toe see any other animal.

On the second round of the wild life safari a barking deer went scurrying past too fast for my English guests to take some photographs. The rain kept troubling us and it was at times very heavy.

"Do we have a chance to locate the tiger?" Chris asked rather dejected.

"Very thin chance I replied." The tigers are inactive and their movement is limited as water and prey is available very close to them."

"So they keep to dense thickets?"

"Yes definitely Chris that is why there are no alarm cries or pug marks on the road." I replied unhappy that I was not able to show the tiger to my guests.

We did manage to see the Hard ground Barasingha, Gaur, a lone Jackal and eventually a Barking deer. And yes lots of birds. But my guests did not go away disappointed after all as we saw the Bengal tiger in a tiger show on the last round before leaving. It was the same tiger that had walked alongside us for a long time in January. The same tiger was well camouflaged hidden and sulking in the bush.

The camouflage was so perfect that even a few feet from the bush we could not make out that a tiger was sitting there in a bush and that even a large full grown tiger. The only clue was a partially eaten wild boar which it had hunted the night before.

With little bit of elephant maneuvers we could lay our eyes on the tiger and the guests could get some superlative images of the tiger as seen from the network of branches and twigs.

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....

Tiger Articles and stories

Find interesting account of tiger adventure

Tiger Sighting

The above articles offer interesting account of wild adventure in Indian forests. The author enjoys jungle life and is fond of endangered Bengal tiger and the leopard in India.

Pench tiger reserve

Nestled in the Satpura mountain ranges Pench tiger reserve is famous for being the place where Mowgli the wolf child was first discovered. He is the hero of Rudyard Kipling book “The Jungle Book” which is a world famous book and has highlight Indian jungle life to readers all over the world. Along with Mowgli, Akela the wolf, Bagheera the black panther, Sher Khan the tiger and Baloo the bear became famous as well. This book on Indian jungles offers the finest depiction of Indian wild animals. The movie “Jungle Book” is based on this book and is produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

The preserve is named after Pench a perennial river which flows through the park and is the lifeline of this National Park. Pench tiger reserve is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in the district of Seoni near Jabalpur which is well connected by rail and air. Numerous bus services are available to reach Khawasa which is 10 kilometer from the park gate. Pench is well connected with Nagpur by road which is 80 km and has an airport too. Nagpur offers flight services from Mumbai and Delhi to visitors on tiger tour to see Indian tiger and other wildlife. Apart from the Bengal tiger one can see large herds of Bison or Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer and barking deer. One needs lots of luck to see the leopard, sloth bear and Indian wolf at the park. Tourism at

Pench is well organized and many resorts and lodges are available that offer luxury accommodation as well as economic fare to budget traveler. The travelers can hire jeep for tiger safari tour into the park. Tiger sighting is high at Pench and elephant rides conduct tiger show for the eco tourist to sight the magnificent tiger in the wild.

Although tourism is new to Pench tiger reserve sightings of the tigers are quite high and it ranks along with Bandhavgarh and Kanha in having a high population density of tigers as the statistics inform.