Bandhavgarh Niche Habitat

For regular visitors to Bandhavgarh appears to be pristine forests and grasslands but if you notice the niche habitats it will create a liking for the National Park. Niche habitats bring a deeper understanding of the Bandhavgarh ecosystem works.   On my tiger safaris, I always keep an eye on unique intrigue. These niche habitats add to the charismatic beauty of the park.

Sidha Baba

In the Chakradhara swampy meadow, the holy site of Lord Shiva Lingam is first to greet you it is called Sidh Baba. This is the frequented by the tigers on the hunt favored by the slush created.  Tourists and guides often stop here to pray to Shiva. The Shiva lingam dates back 2000 years and is perhaps as old as the fort at the top.

Chakradhara Meadow

Chkradhara is a swampy grassland and is close to Charanganga River this is the finest example of a marshy meadow. The swamp grassland is frequented by the prey species which are often hunted by the hungry tigers here. This offers an ideal moment to film or photograph the hunted and the hunter encounters. There is a stream at one side of the grassland which is the rivulet that is perennial and the big cats come to rest here in the cool shade in the hot summer. 

Gopalpur Pond

If you wish to spot water and shore birds This is an ideal place and you can also watch the Palearctic migrants that land here in the winter. This is a favorite pond for the big cats during the hot summer and they come to rest here. Many big cats and other wild animals have made Gopalpur pond their regular haunt. You can see interesting wildlife if you wait here silently. 

Badi Gufa – The Big Cave

For bat lovers, this is the best multi-chambered cave. you can see the Brahmi script etched on the walls of the cave that acted as court chambers in the 10th Century AD. The walls contain a colony of bats hanging upside down as they usually do. The cave is grilled so wild animals do not enter.

Sesh Shayya

The reclining idol of Lord Vishnu is carved out of an igneous rock that is 20 feet long. The pool on the right is inundated by trickles from the mountain River Charanganga that seep downs from Bandhavgarh Hill. The surrounding canopy comprises dense thickets of shrubs and is an ideal breeding ground for the big cats.

Ketkiya Breaks (Aromatic Kewara)

 

The aromatic Kewara plants have a distinct niche habitat. The tall stands of Arjun and Jamun Trees act as shade from the Sun and encourage the growth of the shrubs.

Bhitari Bah Niche Habitat

Fed by Bhitari rivulet the slush formation is supported by grass and a thicket of dense herbs. The niche is supported by tall trees.  The d grassland is preferred by the herbivores to forage giving ample opportunity for big cats to hunt. This spot is frequented by herbivores and big cats hide in the tickets to hunt for them.

Sita Mandap (Stone Arch)

The arch is a unique geological formation due to erosions under which water flows. A number of rock and cave formations give the place a unique importance. Though closed to visitors one can look down from the top to sight the big cats arriving here to drink. This tigers inhabit is inaccessible to tourists.

Bandhavgarh National Park abounds in niche habitats throughout the park. An extensive survey of Bandhavgarh could result in amazing finds. The formation of Bandhavgarh National Park and its declaration as a protected area under the wildlife protection act 1972 has been a big boon.

All the wonderful geologic formations add to make tiger safari interesting and exciting. One must visit the park on safari. Please remember to book the safari permit online before you arrive.  Bandhavgarh can be reached from Jabalpur Airport after driving 170 kilometers.

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Uday has worked as a naturalist and loves to write about tigers and other wildlife forms. He also provides SEO Services and Content for Digital Marketing. He can be contacted at :

pateluday90@hotmail.com

Mob/Watsapp: 9755089323

Conservation: Our Urban Footprints

 Exploratory Zeal or Human Greed 

Being an extremely mobile species with intelligence and thought we have explored and invaded every nook and corner of the World. Unfortunately our thoughts and intelligent approach as been vitiated and overpowered by greed and lust. Animal Kingdom does not understand these vitriolic virtues because it cannot think beyond the existential limits set for it by nature. We humans appear as aliens with no existential fear, and thus hell-bent upon the destruction of nature. Are we eventually planning to settle in colonies on other planets or will our actions lead to the imperative? This may be yet unclear, but our escape from Earth is definite...perhaps much before the expiry of the Sun.      

We have not been killed by curiosity rather we have been murdered and plundered due to it. Our greed does know no end, and our desire to amass is unique to us in this animal kingdom. We run after comfort and material wealth, and now automation all this has come about through the exploitation of finite natural resources chiefly minerals and fossil fuels. 

Not a Rat Race this It is Human Madness 

There is a weak effort to contain and balance the carbon emissions and the resultant pollution. Alternate energy perhaps would fetch redemption one day.  Global warming is spreading like wildfire and so is the pandemic. It is free for all in absence of pragmatic World order. The quasi-governmental bodies on a global scale are an abject failure or at best existing for their namesake. The impact of various pacts between Nations is not very productive and the energy consumption is on a disastrous scale. This is not a rat race, on the contrary, an example of extreme human madness, we should stop maligning creature which lives within the biological limits set by nature.    

We are not lacking in desire to preserve the globe and prevent further extinction including that of the human species. We are just entangled in a race for destruction within and a callous approach that time and again rings a bell that everything is not okay. In order to outdo each other, we are taking steps in spite of constraints. Nuclear proliferation is one fine example.  Destruction of nature is more internecine than the threat of a nuclear war which so far has been easily constrained due to fear of retaliation. 

Understanding extinction requires an understanding of many facets of life since nature does not retaliate like in the case of nuclear war rather it becomes ineffective and incapable of supporting life. This will become a reality if we continue to damage life-supporting systems.  

In countries like India, it was the indiscriminate land use pattern that destroyed precious ecosystems. The agricultural expansion though with good intent has destroyed millions of square miles of natural land that had remained untouched besides the early human encroachment which was severely restrictive. Commercial farming and wood logging the World over is proving to be disastrous but go on unabated destroying our green lungs. It is the main reason for species extinction on a global scale. 

From hunters, we turned hunter-gatherers and then nomadic pastorals before settling down as agrarian communities. We saw another World order as industrialization became the mainstay of our economies. The last two phases have been instrumental in damaging the Earth the most. But the destruction continues unabated with equal vigor in the contemporary era. Now urbanization in remote areas has become imperative. 

Expanding Urban Footprint

The linear movement of humanity has been most invasive thanks to recent technological developments and the race for a wealthier status not only among the elites but for the masses as well. We have been reckless in pursuing our objectives totally neglecting the impact our actions carried forward. Prime ecosystems and niche habitats have been pounded by hammer persistently. 

Romantic Illusions 

This coexistence of humans in conformity with nature is at best a romantic illusion. India being an old civilization we dwell in many such romantic illusions at times adulterating the pragmatic approach. The crux of this article is to change our approach as regards infrastructure development and agrarian practices and thus stem the rot. 

Whence polluting industries are discouraged regarding the procurement of extensive, land the resistance is simply a threat perception that it could unsettle traditional economic practices existing for centuries, but in severely degraded land with no muscle for regeneration industries provide a better option for economic revival dying agrarian practices. This is applicable in overpopulated and poor countries like India. Why this is being advocated as an alternative? This question arises as we have severely eroded most of our natural lands, and the ecology is damaged beyond repair in such places...there is no choice.   

Containing Urbanization to Save The Tiger         

We are living in a country that was introduced to sound conservation ethos, and that played a vital role in the preservation of whatever remains. But there is a conflict that prevails. Can we regenerate severely damaged ecosystems in urban areas? or Lend them to Industry while greater importance is accorded to intact ecosystems. This approach will certainly prevent the extinction of key species including the tiger. 

Tiger

This big cat is highly sensitive to its environment and human intrusion, like few other species. An unwarranted change in the food chain, human intrusions, and invasions, the virulent epidemics can lead to a certain extinction of the big cat. Animals like the swamp deer are highly susceptible to habitat change and human intrusions as well. And we have seen this happen. Most of the species on Earth need a human-less environment and we should respect this by staying away from sensitive ecosystems. Over or unsustainable fishing is one example of how we are eroding aquatic ecosystems amid terrible food shortages. 

Protective Area Concept  

The protective area concept is proven to be a boon for species survival, especially the inviolate areas. Wildlife conservationists or environmentalists should study how efficiently this is being managed in India. The species are being protected and are breeding well besides the benefit of regulated tourism is raising the local economy in a commendable manner.  Local sentinels play a key role in the protection of the species and income from inheritance is most welcomed. The tiger reserves have set a fine example where tourism income from the park is fetching revenue for conservation and benefiting the local communities immensely.    

But PAs can be susceptible to human greed and political infringement. Some politicians are least sensitive to environmental concerns due to greed for a vote and thus register policies that please the vote bank. These islands created in India are heaven for sensitive species as resource banks. The day PAs are de-notified it will be disastrous. Many among the political setups are totally oblivious of environmental concerns and this can happen whence they come to rule the roost. The perception is not chimerical mind you!          

But can we release more land for the predator's survival?  

This is a testing proposition, especially for the dispensations that come at the helm from time to time. Dense human populations are a major threat to the environment, unfortunately, they can also destabilize ruling dispensations. Need I say more...     

If we have to prevent further extinction in the country we have to measure the impact of every step forward. Micro-urbanization is a major threat since most of the remaining ecosystems thrive in remote, less populated places. But changes are inevitable in economic practices in this age. But can we create an eco-friendly industry, encourage local craftsmanship, and instill an eco-friendly residential design and architecture. Even minor forest produce can be productive outside the PAs in the periphery.  

Rabid urbanization is difficult to control in towns and major cities but in the case of remote settlements, we should seriously consider the ecological impact of infrastructure development. There has to be a plan in place that differentiates action plans for places on basis of their ecological importance. There exists no such necessary segregation as far as I know.    

We cannot develop using a single linear approach, alternatives indigenous perhaps, and setting up limitations in the outer rings is the possible answer. This is being actively under consideration in India, and some steps have already been implemented.  Let us hope we will witness better implementation during our lifetime and leave enough of these islands to provide us with fresh air, water, and natural foods for our progeny. Biodiversity is essential for our survival least we forget. !       

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Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, and environmental issues.

He also provides SEO and Website Content in English. He teaches Digital Marketing in Jabalpur in summer.

He can be contacted at:

Mail: pateluday90@hotmail.com
 Mob: 09755089323

             

Conservation: It's Pay Back Time

Our  Earth: A Saga of Exploitation

Not only extensive farming, poaching, wood logging, and hunting have denuded our wilds we conveniently seek to forgive our sins whence it comes to breakneck industrial revolution and urbanization. Like agriculture, large industries and industrial estates scrap off nature from Earth in long strips along with associated urbanization in our towns and cities. 

In the past few centuries, we have hastened the demise of many invaluable ecosystems to alternate them with nonviable human constructs and the process goes on. The developed countries have been quick to extensively exploit natural resources and strip off ecosystems forests, grasslands, and rivers to name a few in order to develop in material terms without digging deep into ramifications. Most countries are stripped of natural lands and they have virtually exterminated their wilderness. But there is no looking back,  and if there is at places it is weak and without commitment. As a consequence, we are facing climate change and species extinction due to the dismembering of remaining ecosystems, pollution, human intrusions, and alternating natural systems to suit our exigencies.             

Earth is supposed to be shared among trillions of life forms thus maintaining an equilibrium so that life sustenance mechanism remains inviolate. Large chunks of ecosystems have been decimated for crops without any circumspection, and industrialization, and urbanization is taking place with haste. We are turning settlements into cement jungles and urban ghettos. 

All we look at is modern infrastructure and the gleaming societies and lifestyles they generate forgetting the dead that lies beneath. The industrial revolution has been a major disaster and caused wars innumerable, social disparities as well as grave harm to the environment. Global warming is an evident phenomenon among even those who are not erudite or aware, and the suffering is taking a toll in terms of health physical and mental.   

It is difficult to hinder this blitzkrieg because dispensations do not bow down and at the most pay lip service to conservation. Maintaining an equilibrium would require some committed steps for preservation even if the infrastructure buildup is halted. We simply cannot regenerate the complex living systems that nature does. This is rabid development is the trend everywhere, and most vicious in overpopulated countries trying to emerge from ongoing poverty without understanding the route they are adopting. As urban ghettos increase poverty will as well for we see life not as sustainable but gauge impoverished societies keeping the yardstick of measure highlighting disparity with those well developed (sic). There is no limit to the demands of humanity, and we will perish if we fulfill them at the cost of nature. Are we going to need artificial glass bubbles with oxygen supplies to survive on Earth in the future?       

To keep industries alive and the economy booming we continue to exploit natural resources which are already dwindling. In economic haste, we are not using the resources in a judicious manner, and are not at all looking for renewable on a war footing. Development is the mantra of disaster and the infrastructure built up in hinterlands in countries like India is a scourge with no mitigation seemingly possible. Rather than judging the economy by scale, we must peep into the environmental disaster we are leaving in the wake. We need to define our basic needs and stick to them.         

Poverty alleviation should not come about through the industrial revolution, it should come by rational use of renewable energy and a paradigm shift in our lifestyles. Too much energy consumption or unprecedented use of natural resources has wreaked havoc on our planet and we need to stem the rot. The major stress factor is not poverty but our excessive consumption of fossil fuels and other natural resources. Controlling the population is wise but there is no such urgency among various countries and demographics. Population control should be imperative, especially in Asia and Africa.         

Time to Pay Back 

We need reforestation, conservation of wildlife, habitat repair, and preservation of the ecosystem that supports them, and to stop the destruction of tropical forests going on on large scale.  We will have to redefine our lifestyle and consumption pattern and wean out what is unsustainable with vigor and commitment.     

We will have to have a methodology in place as far as industrialization and infrastructure build-up is taking place. We will have to draw out sustainable plans and practices which mitigate damage to natural lands.  Yes a lot more has to be done in order to preserve our  Earth and the efforts should come about not only from institutions but we the public as well.  

We can do it, we are successfully saving the tiger and the lion and many other endangered species and India has also preserved good enough ecosystems. There is hope! 

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Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, environmental issues.

He also provides SEO and Website Contents in English.

He can be contacted at:

Mail: pateluday90@hotmail.com

 Mob: 09755089323

    

Importance of and Understanding Niche Formations in an Ecosystem.

Tiger reserves or National Parks everywhere are complex ecosystems with a simple overview. Writers or wild lifers in India describe the reserves as comprising of types of forests, grasslands, dominating Sal or teak, and the water formations in form of water holes, streams, and rivulets all woven together.

This is a simple overview that makes us look through these writers' prism forgetting the immense complexity of ecosystems which include niche habitats or rather microhabitats. The neglect would mean a loss of biodiversity both in flora and fauna. 

Pandanus or Kewra Break at Bandhavgarh

Hence the ecosystems also comprise uncommon niches with an abundance of special floral elements and contain a unique geography that comprises a catchment, rivulets, streams, ponds, swamps, sand, minerals, plain or scattered rocks, unique grass, micro life forms, more. The appearance of vegetation and geological formation is unique but they can also pass off as a dense patch of forest.  To make out a niche one need not be a biologist or a geologist etc. A close look is enough. 

Thus in a small spot or place, a complex ecosystem exists which sustains unique life forms, water in the dry season, shelter, food, and often climate control, tigers and other mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds find succor or life sustenance environment during the time of stress and even on regular basis. 

These are important and fragile components of life support systems that if damaged or broken can have a disastrous impact on the ecosystem as a whole. The absence of this niche which is often due to obliteration or neglect is not a good sign and will eventually lead to the disintegration of the reserve or National Park in time to come.


A similar life-supporting effect or preservation could be brought about by the presence or grouping of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals in a reserve. 

To make it clearer even within the large confines of your house, garden, office, or factory premises such a niche can exist. Whence destroyed you would discover the absence or diminishing of a species of flora or insects like butterflies and birds if you are a nature lover with a keen sense of observation. This is precisely how unplanned urbanization destroys biodiversity in our towns and cities.  This is another reason why linear development is often criticized or cautioned in India by acclaimed conservationists.    

In case of violent intrusions by humans and livestock in areas not protected as inviolate or out of bounds the diversity diminishes. Many species become extinct and the environment as a whole suffers. Though well preserved in the core of our tiger reserves they are conspicuous by their absence in the buffer. This is due to constant biotic pressure especially caused by livestock, denudation, logging, and many other factors.    

Any visitor if vigilant during the safaris in our tiger reserves would make out such spots albeit they are often presented as picturesque or described as places containing water etc. That is why it is important to be observant during safaris and not only chase tigers and another megafauna. 

Thankfully our wildlife managers and field staff of the reserve are in the know of these niche or microhabitats and their ecological value. That incidentally makes habitat preservation extremely complex ...it is not only saving the trees or grassland.    

This is another reason why indicator species like the tiger have become extremely important. The presence of an animal at the top of the food chain is an indication of a healthy ecosystem and a certain proof of the presence and well-being of these niches or microhabitats. 

We are the worst whence it comes to the preservation of our ecosystems because of our unmindfullness, greed and a hording mentality.       

Though I am only a naturalist, I always advocate that tourists must visit tiger reserves with an inclination to learn sincerely so that we can better shape our surroundings and the environment as a whole. Children should be encouraged in this endeavor more and more for they will be the policymakers of tomorrow. Wildlife managers or field biologists in our country should organize camps to educate our masses. This is how the greater benefit will accrue out of eco-tourism globally especially whence there is an unrelenting onslaught on our diminishing ecosystems.   

Micro Habitats

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Find descriptions and photographs of microhabitats in Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India.

http://www.tigersafaribandhavgarh.com/ZoneinBandhavgarh.html

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Uday is a naturalist and is passionate about the conservation and well-being of tigers in India. He loves to write on these issues on his blog and elsewhere.
Contact: pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323 

Development: Is this not an issue?

I happened to pick up a book by Samar Singh a conservationist of repute titled "Conserving India's Natural Heritage". In his book he sketches the depredation of our natural lands and the conservation action that is taking place after realization. He rightly eulogizes our erstwhile PM Smt. Indira Gandhi for her committed approach to nature conservation. Because of her courage to plan, implement, intervene, prevent and impose such that many life forms and natural lands received a breather perhaps for eternity.          

In order to up the development scale we are reckless in our approach - the destruction of natural lands goes on. Be it greedy development, one sided human rights activities, sheer disregard for habitats...whatever. The Earth belongs to all life forms...how much space is being accorded to them...are we the judge?  

Indian Rhino

Langur

Tigress with cubs

Common Kingfisher

Vine Snake

Photo Credits: Dharmagiri - Jungle Home Pench.

The foreward by Shri M.S. Swaminathan acts as an eye opener. He writes that "Conservation is development and the basic support systems have to be seen as integrated whole". 

How many do?

Reckless development or exploitation of crucial natural resources resulting in depredation is nothing but  harakiri a genocide virtually. The brunt of dilapidated ecosystems and the cost incurred there in will be paid by the coming generations.  We have to learn to preserve our natural lands and also recover or return them back to a preserved state by action and policies and not by speech.  

Sustainable development means harnessing our resource for renewed availability and not one time go. The economic upliftment and empowerment of masses should not be at the cost of crucial life support systems. Already overburdened Earth with one species growing unchecked is devastating ecosystems all over. 

But all this rationality seems irrational to those committed to unchecked development resulting in depletion of crucial resources and gene pools which will be lost for eternity. 

.Give space to other life forms please           

Mining Menace India

After the recent news of coal mining in the Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra it becomes clear about the governments priority as far as tiger conservation is concerned. The coals mines on the periphery of the reserve posse a threat to the habitat of tigers. To make matters worse new coal mining permission has been allotted by the Union Government in Chandrapur.    

Illegal mining in critical tiger habitats in India is posing a major threat. A strong will is desired to  get rid of this menace.  Sariska and Buxa are prime examples.

This reminds one of brick kiln menace around the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Diamond mining around the Panna National Park and so on. Large amount if forest tract come under the axe for development projects in India. 

The major threat to tigers in India has always been the loss of habitats and not poaching. The tiger needs forests with dense cover to survive. The reserved forests in India are badly managed and subject to tremendous biotic pressure and timber smuggling. Most of the forests outside the protected areas do not harbor any wildlife and the big cats have been exterminated by local poachers and the reducing habitat. About 5000 crore lingers unspent due to lack of decision making and legal tussle. This fund meant for forest regeneration schemes. 

White Bengal tiger

The world's most charismatic animal and the rarest is no more found in the wild. The white tiger was discovered in the wild jungles somewhere near the forests of Govindgarh which is near the Bandhavgarh tiger reserve.

It is said that a white tiger cub was found alive in a hunting expedition, the mother and other cubs where killed. The erstwhile Maharaja of Rewa who governed the region decided to capture the cub alive. The white tiger cub was eventually captured by Maharaja' team and kept in Govindgarh palace. The white tiger cub was named as Mohan.

The white tiger is a recessive gene and not an albino or a sub species as it was earlier thought. This animal lacks the yellow pigment completely hence the resultant color of the fur is black and white. The white tiger's habit and habitat is same as normal orange tigers.

The history of white tiger shows that there where other white tigers discovered and shot in India in earlier times. But the white tigers in the zoo are the progeny of Mohan. The white tiger breeds with orange or normal colored tigers naturally and hence the population has grown in the zoos.

There have been no more white tigers discovered in the wild till this date. The fact is the Bengal tiger population and its habitat has come down so drastically that chances of finding a white Bengal tiger in the wild has dimmed.

There are some morphological difference ascribed to white tigers as pink lips, icy blue eyes and larger size, which maybe true but it needs research to verify the facts. When I am on a tiger safari I keep a look out for white tigers. This may seem far fetched but who knows.