Hard Ground Barasingha
Bison at Kanha National Park
Indian Roller
Tiger
Chinkara
Sambar
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Indian Wildlife - Photos
Hard Ground Barasingha
Bison at Kanha National Park
Indian Roller
Tiger
Chinkara
Sambar
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tiger Walk
That's the way it should be tiger sighting on the first go. We entered Kanha National Park with lot of expectation and were thrilled to see the tiger a short distance from the Kisli Gate. The male tiger was radio collared but my friends where amateur photographers who cared hell.
It is quite interesting to observe people whence they sight an Indian tiger in the wild especially if they have never seen a tiger in the wild. My friends had seen the tiger but not this way. The frightened awestruck countenance have much to tell. The myth that tiger is a Xtra Large barbaric beast who kills humans at the first go is washed out in a split second. The tourists, I find develop respect for the tiger and other wild denizens. They come to understand the ethos of nature conservation.
Why conservation? The park visit answers this question. The importance of habitat conservation and preserving the whole ecosystem becomes clear to the uninitiated. Controlled responsible tourism helps not only by sentiments it creates but thanks to the education it imparts.
Why conservation? The park visit answers this question. The importance of habitat conservation and preserving the whole ecosystem becomes clear to the uninitiated. Controlled responsible tourism helps not only by sentiments it creates but thanks to the education it imparts.
The trained naturalists, park guides and wildlife interpretation centers in the tiger reserves play a crucial role in nature awareness campaigns.
The tiger was trekked by tourists on a jeep safari ahead of us by the alarm cries. But it was difficult to locate it.
"The tiger is moving..."as we followed the alarm cries.
In the heat of the moment I heard frantic cackling of greater racket tail drongos and tree pies. I told the guide that some birds give alarm cries as well ...rather loudly. The tiger was located some distance ahead but were the birds giving the alarm cries? Yes they were!
My spirit was dampened by young naturalists from luxury resorts who were giggling shamefully and openly at me. They found my surmise extremely funny. But I have experienced this often - the bird cries and smart alecs.
Anyway the tiger walked through the grassy meadow and came straight towards the safari jeeps. It was a huge male about five to six years old. It came on the jungle road and began walking on the soft sand partially ignorant of the jeeps which were frantically moving back and forth in order to give way.
I have often seen that tigers on mate search or territorial marking spree come up to face humans and whatever totally immersed in their activity. This is with tigers less used to humans as well. Perhaps the urgency pushes their guard away.
After lot of tree clawing and urine sprays it moved down towards the thick canopy and vanished ...much to the relief of tourists with bated breadth.One more tiger was seen at Kanha Tiger Park in Madhya Pradesh. Except some warning grimaces the tiger went about its task! You mind you business I mind mine it seemed to say. But do we???????
The next two days we saw Kanha wildlife albeit not in proper circumstance as a large holiday crowd had turned up. The vehicular movement had pushed the animal life into thick canopy difficult to be seen. We came across lot of signs of tigers but that was all.
I think number of jeep entries should be regulated further as this would spread tourist visit to days whence very few people visit the park. Well I am not a park manager.
The hotel in Kanha where we were up for the stay is run by a conservationist. Some of our views meet some do not. Anyway I did not discuss this issue with him. It is fun to be in company of some local naturalists in Kanha National Park and other tiger reserves.
Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed parks in India. Although there are recurring doubts about the safety of the tiger in the park...they still survive. One thing that rings in my mind is that around preserves like Kanha and Bandhavgarh and others, the man animal conflict is having a greater toll than I believed earlier.
Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed parks in India. Although there are recurring doubts about the safety of the tiger in the park...they still survive. One thing that rings in my mind is that around preserves like Kanha and Bandhavgarh and others, the man animal conflict is having a greater toll than I believed earlier.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Of a thousand tiger dead
Recently I came across a book on shikar tales by an acclaimed hunter of the past? India's past is rich in natural wealth and hence tigers and wildlife, unfortunately it reeks of awful destruction and plunder that the country went through not only through the barbaric invaders and British Raj? But through our own as well.
The legendary shikari (Not Jim Corbett) narrates his accounts of bravado of shooting tigers in most difficult circumstances and succeeding (Sic!). He describes tiger shoots or hunts as an art without guilt, but more so with incredible passion...that which belies that this country lives under the shadow of Vedic teachings that shows utmost respect to nature. His account of tiger shoots is devastating to our generation and unfolds the saga of massive destruction that took place in the past.
The Shikari portrays himself as a legend and unwittingly as an insouciant pig of the British Regalia and the pleasure seeking Maharajahs. Dressed in British code, he narrates accounts of arranging shoots of the innocent animal for the Rulers and the Maharajahs! He narrates with shameless pride the accolades that followed - Brought me fame and fortune(Sic).
On one hand while half naked fakir (Bapu) and other patriotic elements were fighting for India's freedom this man was totality ignorant of the country's subjugation under a foreign civilization. And so were many insouciant Maharajahs...many of whom hold a place of pride in Independent India. From the accounts...this masterpiece of senseless destruction...it is evident...of the kind of support that the Rulers got from within.
In order to please the Rulers and satiate the pride of the Maharajahs, thousands of tigers were poached ..ruthlessly...mercilessly...males, females....cubs...females with cubs...pregnant tigresses...
His account of behavioral characteristic of tigers at best is comical, a man more adapt in the art of setting the machaan and ruthless murder of innocent animal could not be a field biologist...he appears more like a butcher.
What is disheartening of now...from the accounts is the abundance of tigers in all forested regions ...now sadly gone. The animal and other life forms are still reeling under the threat of destruction from more immediate urgency. Perhaps the coming generation will read this blog entry and decry us for not doing enough to save the tiger, hence nature. They will target at us, same ire that I and many conservationist are doing at the moment.
Whence the Rulers left and Maharajahs lost dominance the Brown Sahibs took over and the rest is history.
From the above lines it is obvious that I am certainly not targeting any Nationality or ethnicity, my anger is more on historical times that were steeped in ignorance. It is more at why understanding did not prevail in spite of the preachings of Vedas...that our life depends upon existence of nature inviolate.
From the above lines it is obvious that I am certainly not targeting any Nationality or ethnicity, my anger is more on historical times that were steeped in ignorance. It is more at why understanding did not prevail in spite of the preachings of Vedas...that our life depends upon existence of nature inviolate.
No one including the Rulers would have let loose such destruction that prevailed if ignorance was overtaken timely. By the time the urgency dawned upon Jim Corbett and many others it was too late.
Today the place of shikaris have been taken over by the poachers, not for ignorant pride or insouciance, but for monetary greed. The World watches helplessly as the beginning of the end nears. We miss in all sincerity our late Prime Minister Indraji more so now...the tables would have turned in favor of the beleaguered life forms by now.
Pl.Note*
The Government in India is doing its bit to conserve nature. There are many individuals and organizations involved actively in conservation of species in India and from other countries but it appears to be a loosing battle. God give them strength!
Pl.Note*
The Government in India is doing its bit to conserve nature. There are many individuals and organizations involved actively in conservation of species in India and from other countries but it appears to be a loosing battle. God give them strength!
Jago re! India Jago re!
Monday, March 15, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 1, 2010
An awkward kill
The leopard must have been very hungry to go for a kill twice or thrice his o her size. When we reached the spot we could make out that the kill was not severely injured or dead.
The awkward attack suggested of a young leopard male or female. It was difficult to make out from few pug marks that we could trace.The cattle was lying totally floored to the ground with not much loss of blood, but its vertebral column was damaged. From the charge we could make out the the attacker was not a tiger.
The attack took place around seven or eight in the evening and the alarm cries brought the owner to the spot. The leopard had remained rooted to the spot where it had made the charge. The cattle had staggered to about fifty yards before it was grounded.
The alarm cries alerted the owner, and perhaps the leopard hesitated as many a times the owners must have been summoned quickly. The owner and some other people gathered around the cattle and tried to raise the animal but could not. They than sat around the animal whole night in order to keep the big cat away.
The kill had been made a few yards from the luxury resort at Kanha National Park in Boda Chappari village. We walked down to the spot at noon. The forest guard had been summoned and he was taking stock of the situation. There were claw marks on the back on both sides and the neck had been gnashed from the top. This had resulted in breakage in the vertebral column.
The owner of the eco resort an experienced man about forest matters accompanied us to the spot. The cattle bull was undergoing great sufferance but there was hesitation in letting the animal finish and consume it or use some other method for a swift death. Eventually the bull was carried to a spot near to the villagers house for observation and prevention of poisoning of the kill.
The leopard must have been very hungry and must have been unable to make another kill. It approached the cattle in the night and consumed it. It was later chased away in wee hours of the morning. The dead cattle was than cremated. The leopard was a female with cubs as we found out later and hence the desperation for food.
This is a frequent occurrence in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh in India. This reflects upon the man animal conflict and challenges the management capability of the department. In spite of good prey base big cats find live stock an easy target as compared to the fleet footed deer. Every year a large number of cattle are killed whence the venture into the forest.
The villagers receive compensation, it would not a big surprise if the cattle owners have made this a opportune business since I am told the proportion of bulls is higher than the cows in the Kanha buffer. This also explains scarcity of fresh milk in the buffer.
The villagers receive compensation, it would not a big surprise if the cattle owners have made this a opportune business since I am told the proportion of bulls is higher than the cows in the Kanha buffer. This also explains scarcity of fresh milk in the buffer.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Images from Kanha Tour
These are the images taken by the group (earlier blog) on tiger safari at Kanha Tiger Reserve. The works though amateur portrays Kanha's wilderness in an excellent manner.
Barking Deer
Bengal tiger
Bison Fawn
Bison female
Male Bison Kanha
Hidden tiger
Indian wild dogs
Dhole at Kanha
Sambar deer female
Gaur female 
Tiger at Bison Kill 
Bison mating
More images to be blogged soon....
A trip to remember
It is said that a tiger brings heart and soul together. Sometimes a trip for tiger safari gels simply because interest matches. Driven by enthusiasm me and my friends from Gujarat drove into Kanha National Park and enjoyed wild safaris like never before.
At Krishna Jungle Resort
At Bamni Dadar Kanha National Park
It was a fun trip in serious pursuit of tigers, other wildlife and birds. In one way or another it was a learning experience. Safaris are the beginning of the end to convert people into nature conservation. What could be better than a tiger safari in heart of Kanha. We went on night safaris on the Mukki road without breaking the law and yes no search lights. The uninitiated express wonder and surprise at the work of nature ...and there creeps in an instant urge to save this valuable heritage of ours.
It was a fun trip in serious pursuit of tigers, other wildlife and birds. In one way or another it was a learning experience. Safaris are the beginning of the end to convert people into nature conservation. What could be better than a tiger safari in heart of Kanha. We went on night safaris on the Mukki road without breaking the law and yes no search lights. The uninitiated express wonder and surprise at the work of nature ...and there creeps in an instant urge to save this valuable heritage of ours.
By no means uninitiated the group has been to many National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It is a deep seated interest that creates awareness and certainly in time to come some more voices to be raised in favor of our beleaguered wilderness.
We enjoyed a holistic tiger safari at Kanha and left with a stronger bonding for all things bright and beautiful - tigers, leopards, deer, birds, other wild animals and beautiful tress herbs and shrubs.
We enjoyed a holistic tiger safari at Kanha and left with a stronger bonding for all things bright and beautiful - tigers, leopards, deer, birds, other wild animals and beautiful tress herbs and shrubs.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bandavgarh Tiger Safari
Gopal - Bapu
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
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.
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.
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.....
I will blog more images with time to come.....
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Of tiger sightings in India
The tiger may be making its last stand in India but the number of tourists for tigers safaris is increasing year by year. Perhaps this signifies the importance of the Bengal tiger in our ecosystem and also in the hearts and mind of the people. Yes people from all over the World express concern for the endangered animal.
Tiger is a shy and secretive animal. Well most of the time! Tourism has made it possible to see the tiger in the wild for common tourists. During the British Raj, tiger and tiger hunting was the prerogative of the Maharajas and the Lords.
Timely conservation of the species resulted in the animal coming back from sure shot extinction, but the tiger is in no less danger now. This is due to demand for tiger parts in China and other Asian Nations. It will take lot of hue and cry for the Chinese system of medicine to stop the use of tiger parts in their concoctions.
The rush to see the tiger is seen more in popular National Parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench in Madhya Pradesh or Central India. The tiger population in these parks is steadily increasing thanks to active conservation measures. The core zones especially the grassy meadows are an ideal habitat for tigers to hunt their prey base. The spotted deer and sambar deer make up the major diet of the tiger. Tiger eats anything that moves except humans. But humans kill the animal with impunity and greed not even expressed by cannibals.
The tiger parks have well laid tourism infrastructure outside and road network inside the core zones for wildlife watching on jeep safaris. The tiger is often seen on open grasslands and jungle roads on a tiger safari in the park. The wildlife safari begins at dawn and ends by noon. The second round begins around 3 pm and ends by dusk.
On a safari inside the parks one can see the tiger, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, Hanuman langur, wild boar, wild dog, sloth bear, barking deer and jackal. These reserves are exciting birding spots as well, and one can enjoy bird watching while trekking tigers in the forests.
On a safari inside the parks one can see the tiger, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, Hanuman langur, wild boar, wild dog, sloth bear, barking deer and jackal. These reserves are exciting birding spots as well, and one can enjoy bird watching while trekking tigers in the forests.
At Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench tiger sighting takes place at least once in three days so it is worth staying for three nights to get a holistic experience of the wildlife parks.
The tiger safaris are arranged by package tour operators who offer a complete jungle package which includes accommodation, food and room stay. The tour packages also includes excursions in the park. The best package tour operators offer stay in luxury hotels and travel by luxury cars. The cost is bit more for wildlife watching but it is worthwhile to travel and stay in luxury in wilderness areas.
There is enough room for budget travelers who prefer traveling by bus and stay at budget hotels around the tiger reserves. A three day safari is ideal for sighting tigers in the wild at these parks. Since if tiger sightings does not take place on jeep safari the tiger shows on elephant back will offer the tourist tiger sighting at close range.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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