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

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