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 

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary - A Diminished Tail Light

Phen WLS - Micro Core (KTR)

Courtyard House Guests (Kanha) - Sudhir Pawar & Family

The bright sparkling sun hits us as we emerge from the dusty Raipur Highway and enter Phen Wildlife Sanctuary a verdant paradise and heaven.  Albeit smaller than its neighboring core Kanha Tiger Reserve, the forests are connected to some degree by buffers Motinala Supkhar Range, & Garhi Forests.  The natural corridor (Kanha Achanakmar) formation is reminiscent of the era whence the Central Indian Highlands was one large tract of forests teeming with wildlife.   

We are greeted at the Gate by the forest staff who gave us a much-required brief on the forests and their wildlife. A pair of gold-mantled chlorosis welcome us alongside. Filled with exuberance we leave for the safari after a short repast.    

Phen Ecosystem

This was my first visit to Phen, and the scope of making new discoveries was exciting. Barely one hundred and eleven square kilometers in the area the conservation unit is full of promise.    

"A good place to sight leopard, sloth bear and wild dog". The staff informs us. 

"And the tiger?" I butt in needlessly. 

"We can make a presence of two from roars and pug marks."  Sure enough, we come across generous lay of pug marks of a tigress on the game round.   

The guardians of the ecosystem number only two or four if you add vagrant or un-traced tigers. Anyway, that did not dampen our excitement as we believe in a holistic experience. The tigers, like at many places in India have lost ground here, but a more promising future can be accorded with the right conservation efforts.  

Phen WaterBody

Hilly, and packed with dense canopy, the topography is a turbulent terrain with hills, grasslands, and deep valleys. The forest comprises tropical moist deciduous mixed, Sal and bamboo. Intermittent water bodies in form of Phen River, smaller rivulets, water holes, and moist grounds are the lifeline of the ecosystem.  

While relocation of some villages has already taken place some are yet to be trans-located. 

  

The park is vital for tiger conservation in Central India. The health of the ecosystem and minimal disturbance is suggestive of a perfect tiger landscape, albeit the prey base is poor - probably due to extensive hunting and poaching in the past.  With an improvement in the prey base, the big cats will get more space for survival. Large herds of spotted deer have already been trans-located from Kanha. 

Phen Canopy

Phen Wildlife offers excellent scope for birding besides safaris. The trip can be accommodated along with a tiger safari at Kanha National Park. The distance is two and a half hours of drive from KTR along the Bicchia, Motinala Raipur Highway. The micro core is at a distance of 15 km from Motinala.  

Phen Images 

Bamboo

Directors Picturesque Cabin

Forest

Jungle Road

Grassland

Rest House View

Water Body

Trip &  Accommodation

Highly recommended for leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs alongside great birding. There is no accommodation at Phen, but a rest house at Motinala can be availed.

Accessible from Kanha Tiger Reserve this is a good way to spend a day off from a hectic safari routine. Also, visitors without entry pass at Kanha can make a day here. Full-day and half-day safaris are available at less cost.  Please contact Kanha FD Office at Mandla.    

Please carry all eatable that can be consumed at the rest house and at the Gate. Jeep availability can be made from Kanha. 

More Information Phen  Micro Core