Indian Wildlife - Tiger Safaris - Nature Conservation

Leopard Story - Bandhavgarh

2012-01-23T02:50:00.000-08:00

We had just dropped our luggage in front of the room when we heard this! "It is a leopard!" I turned around towards my friends and said, "Don't Bother".

It took me some time to realize that the person who said that was none other then the manager of White Tiger Resort at Bandhavgarh!

I knew he was wildlife savvy so I called my friends and said, "Hey lets look".

By this time a large assemblage of occupants had taken place in front of the lawns facing the Charanganga River and the Tala Gate. I approached the manager and he whispered that right opposite on the banks of the river was a leopard. "But the commotion" he looked at me a bit disappointed.

Many of the occupants were carrying torches throwing light on the banks. "Please turn off your torches and maintain silence for some time," I was barely audible. Awe struck by possibility of seeing a big cat the command was obeyed instantly.

Some time ticked by and then I said, "Throw Light but without the sound," and there right on the banks was a full grown leopard. Perturbed by the light and squeals of delight from one and all, the big cat tried to climb unto a tree nearby. It climbed half a way then startled by the commotion came down and started to amble towards the gate. In few minutes it had vanished into the wilderness. Right in Front of us!!!! And we could see all of it in torch light!!!!!

Wow! My friends looked towards me in disbelief. This was their first trip to forest ever and look what they get to see. "Look what you get to see," I said, they had a question on their countenance. But don't you see this wonder often. "Explanation tomorrow friends. Its time to make merry and sleep," I said barely containing my excitement.

We thanked the manager of the Bandhavgarh hotel accommodation for his sharp eyesight. Dinner over I realized that this was a most fortuitous event in my life, albeit I had seen the big cat earlier. In the two days we stayed at Bandhavgarh we sighted Sita with her four cubs. Little Charger was right up to his antics and frightened the wits out of the visitors.

By the way I would love to hear this, "Its a leopard" again and again throughout my lifetime.

Tiger Bones

2012-01-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Just today TOI reported confiscation of tiger and leopard bones along with part of other wildlife. Uttaranchal it seems is most susceptible to poaching due large forest belts and wildlife that includes tigers, leopards and wild elephants.

The bones where confiscated right at the doorstep of the Corbett tiger reserve at Ramnagar. The Field Director's office is based here. Earlier a number of snares and traps where seized from a person.

Unfortunately the seizure is not rare occurrence but rather frequent. The state is already beset with rabid colonization of its natural places due to what seems to be a no hold bar policies. The poaching in the state spells disaster and could lead to extinction of many engendered animals.

Uttaranchal is one of the finest birding destinations but the colonization will take its toll and bring the figure down. Wildlife and Birding Tourism has brought about substantial revenue generation along with employment to a large number of downtrodden. Conservation and preservation practices are to be followed actively in order to boost tourism responsibly and protect nature.

Licensed Slaughter in Central India

2012-01-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

I could just get the glimpse of this distressing news in a TV channel whence I reached home. The government of Madhya Pradesh is permitting slaughter of wild boars 5 km away from the protected areas? This means if you are registered you could shoot a wild boar if it destroys crops. (Sic).

Earlier there were rumors of permission given to shoot spotted deer to protect the crops. How far this is true this ignorant author does not know. Even a surmise is suggestive of lack of understanding of problems that beset the our society (wildlife included). One thing is absolute fact, that we have forgotten the teachings of Veda. Of respect for all life forms. Ahimsa Zindabad!

What does a politician always gain? Vote Dumbo?

The overgrown human populations have usurped much of habitat of other life forms...and there is no guilt! There is no desire to find solution to human ingress everywhere. Who are these wild animals? Vermins, Pests, dangerous to human society. Move aside! Can you smell human chauvinism? Right Wing...Left Wing? He! He!

That the World is a human centric society is a fact. A draconian inhumanity steeped upon the voiceless. This slaughter of innocent wild boars will give license to kill other life forms under one pretext or other. Even if this does not work, few bucks in the pocket will do. Since corruption is the mother of all solutions. And the politician with myopia and greed sketched on his continence is the worst enemy of the Mother Earth.

Most of the agriculture yields in erstwhile forested areas or other habitats are pathetically poor not worth a go. But who will provide alternative means of survival to endemic communities and use an innovative approach to pressing contingencies?

Just shoot men!

Return of the Wild Dog

2012-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

The kill was large and about ten wild dogs were at it. How they managed to kill a large cattle is not a big surprise knowing the nature of this amazing canid. The wild dog in India is known as Dhole in Hindi and has other vernacular names.

During the sixties the number had gone down severely as it had a bounty on its head. In Kanha National Park they were killed in order to reduce Cheetal fawn predation. I have been visiting Kanha since the seventies and in recent times the dhole is being seen frequently at Kisli, Kanha and Mukki Zone.

This is one dog that does not bark, it communicates through whistles with other members of the pack. The nature of its predation makes it a local migratory creature. For they surprise the deer, chase it and consume often on the run itself. With such open and shut hunting the area is soon devoid of prey. The animals presence also unnerves the tigers and other predators.

Changing places accords greater opportunity to hunt albeit I have seen dhole to stay for a longer time in high prey density area. The wild dog is encountered in buffer zone as well. The incident that I have described took place near the Kanha Village Eco Resort at Boda Chappri. Incidentally this were I came across a leopard kill earlier.

The trans migratory makes it difficult to understand population dynamics of this creature. The pack can inhabit any good forest patch near rural settlements in Madhya Pradesh.

More Tigers at Kanha

2012-01-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

Navneet Bhai business men and wildlife photographer owns Kanha Village Eco Resort based on responsible tourism.

He reports.

"Sightings of Tiger at Sarai and Kisli zones at Kanha are really good and expected to go up with almost 23 cubs at Kanha"

Tigress and cub by Mr. Navneet Maheswari

This is fantastic news if tigers breed well in protected areas there is hope for posterity.

Reckless intrusion

2012-01-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

A man was killed and another lost his scalp in a attack by a stray leopard. This incident happened whence the leopard strayed into Guahati City in Eastern India is the State of Assam. Similar incidences have taken place elsewhere in India.

The leopard was tranquilized and transported to a local zoo nearby. It is presumed that the animal would be released in a wildlife sanctuary nearby. These are unfortunate incidents that tar the big cats image. But who is to blame?

Humans a constantly intruding into the domains of big cats in India. The builder lobby is insensitive to the homes of the animals. As the cities grow in India the shortage of house leads to intrusion into natural lands in the periphery. These areas are inhabited by wild denizens living there since ages.

The conflict is a natural reaction to the intrusion in one's domain. But it does not seem that a solution is in place. The reckless expansion of human habitation is a taking a toll on wilderness in the country. There needs to be a planning mechanism which takes wilderness and wildlife into account before permission can be granted to colonize.

Best place for tiger safari?

2012-01-08T03:02:00.000-08:00

Where to see the tiger in the wild?
This question arises whence people plan to see the tiger in the wild in India. For many it may be just one visit to India and they would like to see the tiger in the wild on that visit. Tigers are shy creatures well almost and secretive.

It is not easy to spot a tiger in most of their homes in India however for one reason or anther their visibility is very high in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Ranthambhore in order to preference. Corbett Tiger Reserve is also a good place to see the tiger but sightings are at times difficult and infrequent.

Hence one should always prefer to visit Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in order to see the tiger. Sightings are not guaranteed but anyway a three night stay should deliver. Even if you do not see the tiger on jeep safari you can still see it if the tiger show takes. Tiger is cordoned by a group of tame elephants if they are able to track the big cat. You are then taken atop the elephant back to the place where the tiger is. This is a short elephant ride basically from your jeep to the tiger and back.

On many occasions the forest guide accompanying you or your naturalist are able to track the tiger with their skills. This increases the chance to see the charismatic big cat The movement of tiger is found out by observing the pug marks on the jungle road and listening to the alarm cries of the animals.

Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Parks are in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They are accessible from Jabalpur well connected with New Delhi by air and rail. Pench is also close to Nagpur Airport about eighty plus km.

Entry of vehicles in Bandhavgarh and Kanha is limited in each of the four zones hence your tiger safari should be booked in the advance. This can be done through an MP Online Kiosk appointed by the forest department.

Bandhavgarh Villages

2011-12-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

Since time immemorial humans have been settling in forest tracts of Central India. Consequently large contiguous tract of forests have been cleared for agriculture and settlement. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Vindhya Range was once part of Central Indian Highlands connected with the Maikal Hills of Satpura Range. This is the meeting point of two ranges at Amarkantak Hills.

With the sharp decline in forested area and destruction of grassland habitats. Due to reducing habitats major species inhabiting these pristine ecosystem began to decline sharply. One such example is the Swamp Deer or Barasingha whose population has declined sharply all over India. The animal is not found anymore in most of its historical range.

The gaur and the tiger have suffered a similar fate along with many other life forms. The expanding human population have ruthlessly usurped the homes of less fortunate living forms. The initiation of protected areas was to preserve the last remaining shreds of the forests in Central India. The policy much welcomes by nature lovers and the only recourse did not find approval with the locals.

The protected area concept created core zones and made them inviolable for humans. This was an exercise to provide beleaguered wildlife and nature a living space undisturbed by human interference and resource utilization. This was a timely step and there augured a remarkable recovery in the protected space.

A substantial number of settlements were relocated but many remained. The presence of large number of human population with livestock and poor agricultural practice has emerged as an insurmountable problem in time to come.

The man animal conflict:

With constant growth in human population in the villages in the buffer the conflict began to increase. The animals depending upon the periphery of the core zone found the settlements as stumbling blocks. The livestock population and land clearance for agriculture brought about a severe competition between the wild denizens and people. The ingress upon agriculture fields which were once natural grasslands and livestock lifting by big cats initiated revenge killing and encouraged poaching. The inherent corruption in the system makes compensation for livestock kill ineffective. Not every inhabitant labels tiger and others as evil, many worship them.

In absence of proper implantation of relocation schemes the problem remains in its destructive form. This is further compounded by political interference and administrative lethargy. The constant takeover natural lands augurs severe biotic pressure in the periphery. The dependance of livestock upon forest vitiate the problem further as it invites illegal ingress into the protected area.

There needs a paradigm shift in conceptualizing the buffer which should now accommodate spill over population if the tiger has to be saved. This calls for urgent relocation of populations with the National Park.

The poor infrastructure, inferior health care facility, poor education and lack of irrigation facilities will continue to hamper the quality of living of populations well below the poverty line. The dependance on minor forest produce does not yield enough and in turn exerts biotic pressure on the ecosystem. The tourism at Bandhavgarh has provided livelihood to the locals but more needs to be done. Proper relocation is the answer that will deliver the beleaguered population in the core and the buffer.

Follow the link for more information:

The Last Wilderness

Cheetah Relocation in India

2011-12-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Since the announcement of relocation of Cheetah in India there has been lot of expectancy amongst the crusaders of the wild. The recent news confirms that the exercise is intent to be carried out. The TOI mentions relocation of thirteen Cheetahs from Namibia in West Africa.

The paper cites relocation site as Palpur Kuno in MP and does not mention Noradehi WLS. The formalities still required to be fulfillied permission from Director General Foriegn Trade and clearance from CITES. This animal had become extinct in India and no stray animal had ever been seen in the wild since 1947.

The government of Madhya Pradesh will import 20 animals from Namibia. Palpur Kuno was originally slated to harbor Asiatic Lion from Gujarat but the project is in doldrum as Gujarat Government is unwilling to cooperate.

Palpur Kuno has an area of 344 sq km and has been found as suitable for Cheetah as habitat. It would be interesting to see how the project goes since the exotic cat has to settle down and breed if the project has to succeed.

Panther on loose

2011-12-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

The poor animal succumbed to stress and injuries sustained from the cage. It was not the leopard that was intended to be caged, the animal a vanishing hyena was the victim of this fallacy.

The jungles of Dumna were once pristine wildlife habitats with ample wild and bird species. These badly fragmented reserve forests are under constant pressure from development lobby. A forest belt containing a large reservoir has been brought under the umbrella of protected area about 500 hectare. It is known as Dumna Nature Reserve and is excellent place to watch wintering birds like Gray Lag Geese, Eurasian Wigeon, Lesser Whistling Teal, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck, Red Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall and Ruddy Shelduck. The rest of the forests are entirely dependent upon the man. The airport is situated in this area and a IIIT institute has been set recently. The MPT is planning to bring up a five star hotel here and some defense establishment are in offing.

The leopard has been sighted in this region for decades and finds sanctuary in cordoned and protected nearby. The prey base is reasonably good but depleting thanks to reducing forest cover. I had seen a leopard with three cubs few year back at Imzhar Ghati some distance away though two of her cubs were killed one survived perhaps.

The big cat at Dumna Road is often seen by motorists in the evening times. Recently the leopard is being seen as a menace an animal that has been living here for ages. This is a fine example of habitat takeover by humans and then labeling the animal as vermin. The presence has all a sudden become a threat thanks to greater traffic and hence higher visibility. These animals are no longer ignored by the intruding humans albeit no man eating or killing case has occurred.

There are reports of cubs being present hence of the female is relocated or sent to the zoo the cubs may not survive. Ill conceived ill planned exercise results from paranoia once people feel insecure in wildlife habitats. These trends augur further depletion of big cat population in India.

Strange Tiger Encounter

2011-09-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

In spite of their endangered status tigers pop out from anywhere, I mean any forest. Unlike panthers they do not pop out in the cities albeit some cases have taken place near Dudhwa National Park

I used to visit a village for some purpose near my home town Jabalpur. On the way to the village there is a steep climb or ghat as we call in Hindi. There is a left turn off the Kundam Shahpura Highway that reaches Baghraji. From the main road after few km of drive in the plain you reach the ghat which twists and turns upwards on the rise. As you make a descent you reach Kundwara which has a quaint little rest house and is a favorite picnic place for nature lovers and families from Jabalpur.

I used to visit this village called Baghraji (Tiger place) often crossing through the good patch of forest on the way. One day while returning back from the village we reached the ghat around 7 pm. It was a busy day since the weekly bazaar was at full swing. I would often come across spotted deers in this patch of Kundwara forest range, but I was sure due to regular movement of villagers I wont see them today.

We began to climb up on my open jeep, me and my salesman beside. At a point on the rising hill there is a sharp S turn and you can see what lies far ahead but no immediately ahead. It was here that my salesman pointed out some animal in dim light.

"It certainly does not look like a spotted deer", I said. "Well lets see", I continued to drive. We were about to reach the spot when I saw one animal climb down the mountain slope and vanish. The other one moved up hill and we could see it climbing slowly as we reached the spot.

I turned the jeep and threw the head light upon him. I sat stunned for a moment and then in shaky voice whispered, "Its a tiger".

It was a tiger in fact two of them, the other one a female was sitting down on the slope of the hills perhaps very close to me. I could see the male tiger climbing uphill about ten feet from me. He was hesitant to climb since the female was down there. I had a good look at him before he vanished into the dense canopy.

Not used to big cats my salesman sat petrified frozen to death. I straightened the vehicle and drove off, I could have peeked down the slope but did not. The tigress could have been too close for comfort...her comfort. These animals charge at you in defense if you venture to close.

We heaved a sigh of relief especially my companion as we reached the main highway. For me it was exciting and encouraging to see tigers outside the protected areas. For my salesman it was a sacred moment as he had come across the vehicle of the Goddess. How ironical, people would kill these magnificent creatures in spite of the such regards.

I heard the mating cries a couple of days later whence I stayed overnight at Kundwara Rest House. This was around three am. The male was scene regularly by the forest ranger near the nursery tank where it came to quench its thirst. The female was never seen...probably breeding in some secluded patch of forest.

After a year nothing was heard about tigers in Kundwara Forest Range as I did not happen to go there. But certainly the animals might have moved far across the long corridor. There cubs may be surviving now hope they are for a few tigers more. This patch of forest perhaps connects to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in MP.

Luxury Resorts New Trendsetters in Tiger Reserves

2011-09-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

From basic amenities in the sixties and seventies the accommodation business has come a long way in the tiger reserves. The rest house still remain but accommodation official visitors, politicians and VIP guests. As tourism increased the need for accommodation became necessary in parks like Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh.

In eighties people familiar with jungle life established resorts with basic amenities. Since modern commodities had to be fetched from far of towns the offerings where simple. Tourists came in small numbers and accepted whatever the resorts offered as there was no other option. These resorts did brisk business whence tourist numbers increased.

By nineties there was a bull rush for setting up of hotels and resorts in these parks and elsewhere. The awareness generated by various films made on tigers and other wildlife increased the number of visitors to the park. With better tourism infrastructure coming into the picture the number of visitors wishing to stay in luxury also increased. The demand for luxury and 3 star accommodation has increased in the preserves.

A large number of 3 star resorts hotels well equipped for ecotourism has sprung up in recent times. Besides accommodations and organizing tiger safari the plush resorts offer spa facilities and even Ayurvedic massage. But what is desired more is a company of naturalist guide, well stocked library, wildlife interpretation center, hides for bird watching etc. Big concerns like Taj Hotels have established resorts in Central Indian Parks. Club Mahindra Holidays are also planning to establish property at Kanha National Park.

Comforts. clean hygienic food, ample luxuries are what these luxury resort hotels offer to the tourists. Kanha Pench and Bandhavgarh are full of such accommodations that offer 3 star facilities. Of late competition has forced many properties to be sold or wind up.

There should be norms or rules set up for establishing properties in the buffer zones. Some laws have been enacted which will restrict construction near the parks.

Useful forest trees

2011-09-04T03:32:00.000-07:00

For tribal communities the jungle means more that tigers and leopards. In time of duress they had survived on offerings of the forests. Pushed into deep recess of the forest by invading civilization they lived for long with the womb of the jungles. With a benevolent governance things began to change but then massive destruction of the forest lands left nothing for the forest dwellers.

Any way time had come for them to join the mainstream. But with very little understanding of the modern world and little education they are trapped in the quagmire of an overpowering civilization. Likewise the wild denizens are in a greater stress due to terribly reduced habitat. The man animal conflict have pushed many species to the brink of extinction.

The tribal communities still survive on minor forest produce like Mahua, Chironzi, Ber, Amla, Palas and many shrubs that are used as medicine. These produce are in short supplies and their saleability is going down. Mahua fruits in obtained from the Mahua tree which grows well in the jungles. The fruits are used to make butter and liquor the latter from dried fruits. The tree has many medicinal properties as well.

Similarly the Char tree yields a very tasty fruit and the seed is used to garnish condiments. The tree grows well in the Central Indian forests. Amla or Gooseberry tree is the boon of the forests as the fruit is rich in vitamin C and consumed by vast population in India. Ber is a popular fruit eaten all over India. The tree is a medium sized shrub that grows few feet above the ground. Palas tree yields a yellow orange dye that is used in coloring and in the Holi festival. The Palas Bark exudes a resinous substance called Lac in Hindi. It is used for sealing envelops and other packaging.

The powdered bark of Arjun tree found near streams and nullahs is used as a blood pressure medicine. Similary many forest trees yield edible fruits like Bel, Kaitha, Morchhali, Jamun to name a few. The forest help conserve water but also offer survival materials to humans.

The destruction of habitats has not only exterminated endemic species. It has resulted in loss of many natural products useful to humans. If we do not save our trees a wonderful natural heritage would be lost for ever.

Pench Tiger Reserve

2011-08-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Situated in dense forested hills of Satpura Ranges, Pench Tiger Reserve is tiger heaven in MP India. It is about 80 km drive from Nagpur Airport and about 200 km drive form Jabalpur Airport. Rudyard Kipling made these hills of Seoni popular in his "Jungle Book" which was later made into a film by Walt Disney.

The forests is home to the characters of Jungle Book but not in same numbers. The wolf at Pench is in decline. the tiger thrives in good enough numbers so do leopard, wild dogs and many species of deer. You encounter a tiger more often than the leopard on safaris but the leopard it is more sighted here than any other place is Central India. The Indian wolf is seen outside the park but keeps moving as human pressure is a troubling factor.

The reserve is best place to see the bison about 700 hundred live here. the herbivores exhibit excellent health and are larger then their counterparts in other reserves in MP. Many films have been made on wildlife of this National Park. The popularity has resulted in more visitors coming on wildlife safari every year. Birding is excellent in these forests a treat to bird watchers. Less work has been done here on avian species therefore more discoveries are in offing.

The habitat at Pench differs from Kanha and Bandhavgarh since it is dry to a greater degree and the rainfall is quiet deficient. The park is well protected and tiger have increased during the lat decade. Sloth bear, wild dogs and small cats are often seen. The Nilgai herds are impressive with some reaching their full growth. Other animals seen are the wild boar, langur, rhesus macaque, jackal, fox, civet cats, ratel, porcupine and jungle cat. Some of these are nocturnal and can be easily seen of night safaris.

The park is named after the Pench River which intersects the park to reach the Totladoh Dam. This reservoir is excellent for the wetland birds and a crucial lifeline during the dry summers. Birds like Osprey, Ruddy Shells Duck, Northern Pintail, storks, Marsh Harriers, Booted eagle, Vultures are draw among the birders.

Pench attracts lot of tourists on tiger safari in MP in India. The number is growing every year in terms of inbound travelers. There are a number of wildlife camps in the jungle which offer budget accommodation. For upscale tourists luxury lodges in Pench offer finest accommodations at reasonable price. The park guides conduct safaris in the park. A vehicle entry fee has to be paid for entering inside. The safaris have to be booked in advance since number of vehicles are restricted. It is best to ask you hotel to do the booking before you arrive.

Central India Predators

2011-08-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

The ecosystem is a complex web of life interconnected for sustenance and survival. The food chain governs the elements of the whole system. Without an effective food chain the populations would cause havoc and the habitat would come into imbalance.

The predators consume the herbivores in order survive and in the process control their population. This prevent overgrazing which would be disastrous for the habitat. In this manner they also act as seed dispersal agents. The top level carnivores are tertiary carnivores like the tiger and the leopards. Other come below the pyramid and some like the Jackal are both hunters and scavengers.

Hyena and Wolf are predators that are more often found in open scrub and dry habitats. These are getting scarcer as human civilization has moved. The predator play an important role in the food chain hence utilization of energy.

The tiger at the top consumes anything that moves but its prime prey is the deer, wild boar, Nilgai, Langur, Bison and sometimes other predators. It kills other animals like the omnivorous sloth bear and porcupine. The leopard kills smaller animals like spotted deer, barking deer, langurs, wild boars and so on.

Wild dogs survive on deer but are not able to kill bison and large Sambar. They are pack hunters and consume their prey while it is still alive. Jackal and fox survive on small animals like rodents, fawns, reptiles, and even insects. These animals can also survive on vegetation especially fruits and berries.

Hence these animals often treated as vermin play a crucial role in preservation of an ecosystem and the habitats there in. Tiger number has drastically reduced in India and they are in danger of becoming extinct. Since it is an indicator species as well its loss will be a major blow to natural Earth.

Forest trees of Central India

2011-08-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well renowned for it biodiversity the trees of the forest have been sidelined in favor of more charismatic mega fauna and birds. This blog gives a basic idea of some well known trees. Larger trees which dominate are Sal and Teak. The associates are Saaj, Salai, Tendu, Dhava, Harra, Bahera, Tinsa, Palas, Jamun, Char, Bel, Lyndia, Kosum, and more.

The Banyan Tree is present in almost all habitats, so is the Peepal tree, the Jackfruit is very popular for its edible fruit. The skeletal ghost tree or Kurlu is an amazing spectacle in the forest. The riverside tree is Arjun omnipresent near the nullahs and rivulets. It is an important element of water preservation system.

The local trees are a boon to the communities that abound near the forests. Mahua is fine example of utility a liquor is made from its fruits which is nutrient rich. The butter derived from its seeds is edible and used by the locals. Many herbs and shrubs are part of the local medicine system invaluable for health care in inaccessible regions. Modern medicine also uses many derivatives of forest vegetation to create new drugs for health care.

Prolific growth of medicinal plants takes place in Pachmarhi. The is due the geography of the region with varying altitude, extant of sunlight and levels of humidity.

Peepal. Pakur and Banyan are part of ficus species and are well known for their fruits. These provide sustenance to many birds such as horn bills. The trees are filled with birds, squirrels, monkeys and what not whence they fruit.

Forest birding in Madhya Pradesh

2011-08-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

Though MP is known as the tiger state it is a good birding destination as well. The tiger reserves hitherto popular for tiger safaris as ideal birding spots for those interested in forest species. Most of the tiger reserves in the state are home wetland species as well but the habitats are not extensive like in Bharatpur. Nevertheless on can see them in impressive numbers.

Among the forest species the most sought after are the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Shama, Racket Tailed Drongo, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Painted Francolin, Black Naped Flycatcher, Iora, Gold Mantled Chloropsis, Jerdon's Leaf Bird, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Verditor Flycatcher, Brown Fish Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Malabar whistling Thrush (Pachmarhi), Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, White Eyed Buzzard, Honey Buzzard, and many more.

The best places for birding in the state are Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Pachmarhi, Nauradehi, Amarkantak, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bori and many other wildlife sanctuaries. The habitat type differs depending upon the degree of humidity and food factor. The state has tropical dry deciduous, dry deciduous moist, mixed forests, broadleaved Teak forests, Sal Forests, Bamboo Zones which are excellent habitats for diverse species. Similary grassland in the preserve and places like Karera Bustard Sanctuary are home to many grass dwelling species.

Pachmarhi, Nauradehi, Amarkantak are lesser known destinations in MP hence tourism in not popular. While accommodation is available in Pachmarhi and Amakantak subject to advance booking, Nauradehi can be visited from Jabalpur where there is no shortage of accommodations. All three are reachable from Jabalpur City in Madhya Pradesh.

Tiger tourism at Bandhavgarh National Park

2011-08-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

With the highest density of tigers in India Bandhavgarh tiger reserve is most popular tiger tourism destination. The reserves offers best wildlife watching and highest tiger sightings in the World. It also offers unique sightseeing of ancient temples, fort, man made caves and stables.

The tiger preserve is situated in Umaria District of the State of Madhya Pradesh. It is under the aegis of Project Tiger Program that aims at conserving the Bengal Tiger in India. The preserve in home to many wild mammals beside the big cat.

BTR as it is known is good place for wildlife watching and birding. The park and its wildlife have been filmed many a times in recent years hence the popularity. Till seventies and eighties the preserve was not that famous but occasional big cat photographs and the electronic media helped discover the paradise. The forests are home to some of the magnificent Male Tigers pictures of whom have found place on first page of major Indian newspapers. Tourism has increased at a rapid pace since then and thousand of visitors come here to have a glimpse of the elusive big cats.

Home to humans hundreds of year back the tell tale sign of old civilizations still exist. The Fort is a testimony to that besides number of temples, man made caves and statues of Lord Vishnu. One comes across plenty of ancient ruins while on safari in the park.

Bandhavgarh is beautiful park enhanced by 32 hillock which form narrow glens inundated by rivulets and marshy grasslands. The panoramic splendor is breath taking in this land of the pristine forests and tiger.l

Wildlife safari in MP

2011-08-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

The state of Madhya Pradesh has many wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. But for wildlife safaris most visited places are Kanha, Bandhavgarh. and Pench. Besides these Panna and Satpura National Park receive many visitors.

These preserve are also very good birding destinations in Central India. More than 250 avian species make the places there home the numbers include winter migrants. These are also places where tiger sightings are more frequent as compared to other tiger reserves in India

Lesser known places like Pachmarhi, Amarkantak and Nauradehi are also upcoming birding destinations. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is slated for Cheetah relocation in MP, India. All the tree places are accessible from Jabalpur City in Madhya Pradesh. The city is well connected by air with New Delhi and Mumbai. another sanctuary near Bhopal is Ratapani which is home to many wildlife and tigers as well. This is were Bhimbetika caves with prehistoric paintings are situated.

Bhimebetika is said to date back more than 100000 years and is situated in Raisen District. But it is very near to Bhopal the capital city of Madhya Pradesh,. The paintings depict ritualistic lifestyle of inhabitants and several animals including those which are not found in the state anymore.

There are more than 700 rock shelters with 243 in Bhimbetka Rock Shelter Group and about 178 in Lakha Juar Group.

Become A Photographer : Guide to Becoming a Photographer » » 50 Coolest Wildlife Videos On YouTube

2010-10-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Become A Photographer : Guide to Becoming a Photographer » » 50 Coolest Wildlife Videos On YouTube

Photography Degrees > Search 100+ Online Photography Degree Programs » Blog Archive » 100 Resources for Teaching Your Kids About Wildlife Conservation

2010-10-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

Photography Degrees > Search 100+ Online Photography Degree Programs » Blog Archive » 100 Resources for Teaching Your Kids About Wildlife Conservation

Discovering Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary - EYES ON NATURE EXPEDITIONS

2010-08-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

Discovering Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary - EYES ON NATURE EXPEDITIONS

Kerala Wildlife Tourism

2010-07-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Kerala is India’s prime holiday destination. World famous has God’s own country the state offers much to holiday makers, The state has finest beach resorts and backwater canals that offer boating pleasure in house boats through vast stretch of cool blue waters.

The most popular forest types in Kerala are wet evergreen rain forests and highland deciduous. In the far recess of the state there are India’s finest forests the Western Ghats and Nilgiris. The Nilgiri forests or biosphere reserve at Nilgiri Plateau are well known for endemic mammals and birds found only here. Lion tailed macaque; Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri Tahr are found in these forests now protected by law. The protected area is known as Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary.

The best place to see the tiger in Kerala is the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Wynad Tiger Reserve. Home to many wild animals the parks are famous for tiger, leopards, bison and Indian wild Elephant. Similarly Western Ghats are home to large number of wild elephants and rare endemic birds.

Other protected areas are Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. The major faunal elements are tiger, leopard, tahr, elephant, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, wild dogs, wild boar, sloth bear, bison and many dear species.

There are number of bird species in the small state at wetlands and wet evergreen rainforests of Western Ghats and National Parks. Among the noted wetlands are Lake Sasthamkotta and Vembanad-Kol.

The major bird sanctuaries in the state are:

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Periyar River noted for the Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar trogon, Nilgiri Wren warbler and rose-billed roller.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary home to many migratory birds and wild duck.

Interesting birds found in the state are fairy blue-bird, orange minivet, Eurasian king fisher, Rufous bellied eagle, Amur falcon, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Indian hanging parrot, blue-winged parakeet, red-winged crested cuckoo, small green billed malkoha, sirkeer malkoha, red-faced malkoha, Oriental bay owl, Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri pipit, grey-headed bulbul, white-bellied short wing, Wynaad laughing thrush, Nilgiri laughing thrush, grey-breasted laughing thrush, Indian rufous babbler, broad-tailed grass bird, black-and-orange flycatcher, verditer flycatcher, Nilgiri flycatcher, white-bellied blue flycatcher, small sunbird, Loten's sunbird, white-bellied treepie and Syke's jungle crow.

Most of the birds named above are endemic. Many are rare and have limited geographical distribution.

There are bewildering species of snakes and reptilians found in Kerala. King Cobra and spectacled cobra are found besides many other species.

A large number of tourists come for wildlife tourism in Kerala state of India. The main attractions are the Indian elephant, gaur and the tiger. Kerala tour organizers offer wildlife safaris combined with birding packages in Munnar, Thattekkad and Western Ghats. While Periyar and Western Ghats are most visited, tourism is substantial in other National Parks as well.

The peak wildlife tourism season is during the holidays and winters. The weather is comfortable and movement is unobstructed by the rains.

eYaad | read | stories | Wildlife-photography-in-India

2010-07-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

eYaad | Wildlife-photography-in-India

Thoughts.com Blogs - Wildlife of India

2010-07-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thoughts.com Blogs - Wildlife of India

Relocation: Kanha Villages

2010-07-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

The center of attraction Kanha Tiger Reserves was once integral part of Kanha preserve. Due to requirement of inviolate space for endangered species and to reduce biotic pressure, relocation of villages became an imperative.

The spaces for agricultural land, live stock grazing pressure, firewood collection all were taking a heavy toll on the ecosystem. A badly shrunk and degraded ecosystem, could not afford such biotic pressure and destructive practices. The presence of human habitation was endangering wildlife. The animals like tigers and swamp deer were most affected since the latter was totally dependent upon swampy grasslands which were severely encroached.

Most of the tribal in Kanha are Baigas, Gonds and others of various denominations. The relocation created lots of resentment among some. Apart from compensation the villagers benefit from joining the mainstream and eco development programs.

Responsible Tourism has been the largest beneficiary Vis a Vis employment and development in terms of skills and abilities. The remote settlements inside the habitation did not yield such bounties.

The tribal till this date are able to practice their customary rites and rituals besides ingraining mainstream benefits like better education and health care facilities and ample job opportunities.

The biggest benefit has arisen from the forest department which employs large number of local guides and laborers. The administration has employed many tribal in administrative task as well. It eco development program has benefited local communities.

The increasing number eco resorts in Kanha National Park and hotels follow responsible practices. A large number of local are employed in hotels in the periphery. The responsible tourism guide lines favor employment for local communities. These tribal communities have been part of heritage sites since centuries.

Where ever proper compensatory schemes have been introduced the local communities in protected areas have benefited. The State government is taking all positive steps to increase inviolate areas in Kanha. There are lots of programs that seek to benefit the poor and down trodden.

The tourism industry too should take active interest in responsible practice which will be a big step forward in conserving this heritage wealth.

Tourism potential in India

2010-05-20T03:25:00.000-07:00

India is an upcoming inbound tourism destination. The tourism potential of the country is not realized to the fullest yet. In spite thousands of splendors that are present all over the country tourism is much wanted at places. The reason for lack of inbound tourism in many places is purely due to lac of proper infrastructure and awareness about the destination.

Much needs to be done in order to promote tourism in India. At present tourism is restricted to few quarters - Rajasthan, Kerala, North India and Central India for wildlife tourism. Since the rush for tiger safaris Central India or Madhya Pradesh experienced a surge of tourists to tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Park. In North India tiger tours became popular in Corbett National Park and Ranthambhore in Rajasthan. Similarly the former and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are popular birding destinations.

For historical monument tours Agra especially the Taj Mahal takes the cake. Goa is also a popular travel destination but is more popular for beach tourism. Niche tourism has never been exploited in India. North East does receive outbound tourists but mainly for Rhino safari and birding in Arunachal Pradesh.

Kerala accounts for maximum inbound movement and the destination caters to all categories of tourism successfully. In current scenario it is recognized as best destination in India all over the world.

The country offers amazing destinations and activities yet to be discovered to tourists from all over the but the infrastructure is wanting. State that wish to cash in on tourism should concentrate to infrastructure development. The development should include lesser known destination that can become prime spots for tourists coming to India.

For accommodation luxurious and well located resorts in India are a must. the two most important factors are accommodation and transportation. Where ever possible airports that service small charter jets or helicopters should be set up. Road network should extensive and contain well maintained roads for easy travel. This is much wanted in the country. Public culture is as important such that foreign tourists fell happy to be here.

The most important face of tourism industry in India are tour operator companies that govern tourism. They play a key role in promoting tourism and new destination. The packages offered by tour operators should conform to costs that are prevalent in other countries.

For increasing tourism not only the home aspects have to be looked after competition from other countries has to be face. It is crucial that we out compete other Nations in service and product as well.

Outnumbered - Noradehi Wildlife

2010-05-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

Nauradehi Wilderness

In spite of being one of the largest wildlife sanctuary in India the preserve has no respite. Naurdehi is spread over an area of 1197 sq km. The forest types are Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mix with average rainfall of 1200mm. This unique eco region in India is home to less seen species (now endangered) like Indian Wolf, Nilgai and Chinkara or Indian Gazelle. Indian mugger or marsh crocodile inhabits Bamner and Byarma River systems. Smooth Indian Otter is reported and so is the Spotted Creeper (bird). Other animals that inhabit this sanctuary are spotted deer, sambar, sloth bear, barking deer, jackal, fox, wild boar, langur, rhesus macaque and perhaps hyena and wild dog. Night safaris can confirm existence of other small mammals and reptiles. Unfortunately human populace far outnumbers the wildlife here.

The bird life is interesting and one gets chance to spot interesting birds of forest and wetland ecosystem at one destination. The Chivla Lake is interesting spot for wetland birds and is surrounded by forests all around. This could be the main birding spot here. I have visited few more lakes or water bodies in the park which I am sure would be harboring many migrants in winters. The water retention capacity of the ecosystem is high with large water bodies and rivers filled up during extreme heat in summers. The rivers and water bodies are not only life line of the preserve and its inhabitant the villages depend upon them too. The Mohli Lake is completely surrounded by the village and does not support wildlife.

"The sanctuary sets an ideal example of how intact ecosystems benefit all life forms."

What could have been one of the best tiger heavens in India, Noradehi lies neglected and exploited... entirely at the mercy of the humans. The tiger is not seen anymore and the status of the leopard is unknown. Noradehi encompasses three districts of Madhya Pradesh - Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur. It can be best approached from Jabalpur at a distance of eighty six km. The topography is more or less even with minor variation in flora and fauna at places. No systemic survey has been carried in case of avian species. The statistics of mammalian numbers and species present are not available.

Visiting lesser known wildlife heavens offers greater insight into the state of forested habitats in Central India and the problems that they face.

Like all ecosystems Noradehi faces a similar problem - unchecked Human Habitation. There are more than sixty villages in the sanctuary with varying population. The bigger villages like Mohli are fast expanding and getting urbanized. This village with population or more than two thousand is located right next to Chevla Lake which is inhabited by major mammals and birds.

Of the sixty or more villages none have been relocated outside the sanctuary though the proposal is on paper since a number of years. Some of the villages are notorious for smuggling precious wood and poaching wild animals of the preserve. The staff is helplessly out numbered, under stress and fear, and exasperated. The matter is made worse by the ineffectiveness of the legal system.

As per reports most of the wood smugglers and poachers operate with impunity. The fear of punitive measure is not there. For some villages, wildlife crime has become a regular activity. Due to fear of violence and at times political interference, the lower staff prefers to avoid any cudgels rather then face the repercussions. Nevertheless I have found them to be sincere in their task.

The villages depend upon wood from the forest and grazing ground for their live stock The movement in the sanctuary is unchecked though efforts are made to prevent intrusion in the core areas. Most of the movement is as a right of the way from one village to another. Jabalpur - Sagar highway is frequented throughout the day and night by vehicles.

Nauradehi at best can be defined as a fragmented habitat under serious ecological stress and human intrusion. The wildlife survives because of some inviolate areas - out of reach perhaps. The big cats are rare of extinct while keystone specie is Indian Wolf. The exact population of wolves in Nauradehi is not known, though the sightings are said to be frequent..

The management is active in creating support base. Wildlife monitoring camps have been set up with regular patrolling. Water retention capacity of water bodies is being increased. Fire control measures are in place. The management is understaffed and resources are limited as the sanctuary does not enjoy the same privilege as tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh.

The biggest problem that the sanctuary faces is large human population and live stock. Poaching and wood smuggling is there but the extent is not known. Intrusion for minor forest produce and fire wood is also a problem albeit the latter is more serious. The canopy is reduced at many places which adds to habitat degradation. There appears to be no re-plantation program.

Tourism at Noradehi

Nuaradehi has great potential for bird watching tourism especially for species like spotted creeper, endangered vultures, sarus cranes, storks and raptors - many more to be check listed It is a good place for wildlife watching in order to see Indian Wolf, Nilgai, Fox and Chinkara. Tourism is limited to Chevala Lake and surrounding forest trails in the Mohli Range. The preserve could be a good trekking country as well. For naturalist and birders this is a journey of discovery.

Due to poor infrastructure, tourism is limited to few picnickers every year. Most of the tourists are locally from Jabalpur town and Sagar nearby. There is no wildlife interpretation center and the foresters guide the tourists around. The accommodation is basic in two rest houses which require prior reservation.

Endangered species in India

2010-05-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

There are plentiful species in India that are threatened or near threatened. The threat level is based upon population statistics, habitat destruction, poaching or hunting by tribal, disease prevalence and changing land use pattern - expansion of villages around the ecosystem. Weather and climate plays a role as well but most of the species are highly adaptable to withstand such changes until unless drastic.

Some species may be less in nature or survive only in niche ecosystems by natures design. Nevertheless they are always threatened due to limited population or few remaining niches. One example is Hard Ground Barasingha which survives in the grasslands of Kanha National Park. Birds like Siberian Crane have not become extinct but the stock that used to migrate to India in winters has.

Species facing extinction or near extinction are:

Tiger

Wild Dog

Indian Wolf
Asiatic Lion
Leopard

Asiatic Black Bear
Fishing Cat

Desert Cat
One Horned Indian Rhino
Indian Wild Elephant

Capped Leaf Monkey
Ganges River Dolphin
Swamp Deer
Hispid Hare
Indus River Dolphin
Hoolock Gibbon

Red Panda
Snow Leopard
Banteng
Brown Bear
Clouded Leopard
Ganges River Dolphin
Himalayan Musk Dear
Asiatic Golden Cat
Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Langur

Lion Tailed Macaque

Golden Langur

Wild Goat
Wild Yak

Jenkin's Shrew
Mouse Deer
Malabar Large Spotted Civet
India Gazelle
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Sarus Crane

Black Necked Crane
Pygmy Hog
Black Necked Stork
Salim Ali's Fruit Bat

Green Avadavat

White Rumped Vulture
Sumatran Rhinoceros

Long Billed Vulture
Wroughton's Free Tailed Bat

Fragmented habitats are imposing a serious threat of inbreeding among many species especially the tigers in India. Due rampant destruction of trees and grasslands for fuel wood and fodder is another cause of habitat loss. In case of insects and birds apart from habitat loss, chemicals used by humans are reducing their breeding capacity.

In case of many species especially birds the status is unknown due to difficulty in gauging the numbers and migratory behavior. Research is crucial to uncover hidden facts behind decreasing number of any species.

Prevention

The common man can play a crucial role in preventing species extinction and habitat conservation in the country.

The only solution to prevent extinction is habitat conservation and its expansion. This could be done by allocating abandoned land for habitat regeneration near the ecosystem. Relocation of villages inside wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in India.

Conservation of crucial natural resources, encouraging usage renewable energy. Discouraging industry that depend heavily on wood - use less paper and recycle it. Discourage urbanization and industrial development near fragile ecosystems.

Preventing wildlife crimes like poaching and illegal logging. Responsible tourism with profit sharing by hospitality industry. Fighting for pro active policies for nature conservation.

Living in an eco friendly manner in order to conserve natural resources. Love all life forms and throw away any myths and fears that encourages the vermin attitude.

The diversity that exists in wildlife of India is amazing and mind boggling. Indian wildlife is our inheritance, it is crucial for our survival since we are very much dependent on nature.

Every citizen of India should be concerned about nature and environment. All life forms are interlinked hence their survival is crucial to us all. As our culture speaks we must respect all life forms on Earth.

Wildlife watching in summers

2010-04-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

Summer is a difficult time for one and all. The romantic Indian Summer carries lot of heat. The temperatures at noon could rise as much as 43 deg centigrade. though evenings get cooler but not as cool.

Summer is the ending time for tiger safaris in India. though the parks in Central India or Madhya Pradesh close on 31st June the rain may close park safaris earlier. Hence peak time for Indian holiday makers is April, May and perhaps first week of June.

Wilderness in Summers.

Indian Wildlife is stressed out during summer heat since water availability is scarce and shade reduces due to deciduous trees shedding their leaves. Wild animals and birds are forced to congregate near water holes, lakes, marshy grasslands and rivulets. The visibility of wildlife is very high and it is fun watching wildlife in tiger reserves and National Parks.

Sometimes one can experience heightened activity in a grassland or a meadow....a tiger on hunts or a wild dog chase...anything. Tigers are often located easily near water holes and lakes especially at Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Park.

Other wildlife sightings are also very good. Birding is much stress free due to thin canopies but the winter migrants have gone. This good time to study the resident birds in India.

The flame of the forest and Amaltas color the landscape making summer flora attractive. The golden dry grass adds to the ambiance of the meadows. It is an enchanting experience.

Wildlife Tourism

The hotel owners much hungry for business make merry with discounted packages since the crowd does not overflow by any means. Perhaps best safari experience is whence the tourists are less....Sundays are out. Summer holiday makers give Indian tour operators a last bust of business before holiday season closes. Rains put a stop to it all and new season promotions begin. The resorts in tiger reserves come to rest and close down to wait in anticipation the next year.

Summer safaris are exciting and offer good chance of sighting tigers, leopards, wild dogs and other mammals like deer, bison, wild elephants and sloth bears in MP. The noon heat is unbearable for those not staying in air conditioned cottages. Mornings are cool and evenings tolerable.

Going in for wildlife safaris in summers? Don't think twice!

Tiger Safari at Kanha National Park | Trifter

2010-03-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Tiger Safari at Kanha National Park | Trifter

Wildlife in Kanha Buffer Zone - Tiger Safari

2010-03-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Wildlife in Kanha Buffer Zone - Tiger Safari

Tiger safari tours

2010-03-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Tiger safari tours

Indian wildlife tours - Tiger safari - National Parks

2010-03-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

Indian wildlife tours - Tiger safari - National Parks

2010-02-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Indian wildlife tours - Tiger safari - National Parks

Tiger Safari: How To - Indian Tiger - Safari Tour - @ 20six.co.uk

2010-02-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

Tiger Safari: How To - Indian Tiger - Safari Tour - @ 20six.co.uk

Wildlife watching in India | India Travel - Tiger Safari

2010-01-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

Wildlife watching in India | India Travel - Tiger Safari

Indian Wildlife Resorts: Tiger Conservation & China

2010-01-27T02:53:00.000-08:00

Indian Wildlife Resorts: Tiger Conservation & China

Wildlife of Madhya Pradesh - Tiger Safari

2010-01-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Wildlife of Madhya Pradesh - Tiger Safari

Protected Areas of India - Tiger Safari

2010-01-23T02:44:00.000-08:00

Protected Areas of India - Tiger Safari

Tiger safari tours

2010-01-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Tiger safari tours

Tiger Tourism - a knol by uday patel

2010-01-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Tiger Tourism - a knol by uday patel

Wildlife Tourism in India - a knol by uday patel

2010-01-20T05:04:00.000-08:00

Wildlife Tourism in India - a knol by uday patel

Tiger Conservation in India - a knol by uday patel

2010-01-20T04:56:00.000-08:00

Tiger Conservation in India - a knol by uday patel

Indian Wildlife & Tourism

2010-01-15T04:26:00.000-08:00

Indian Wildlife & Tourism

Indian Wildlife Resorts: Exciting Birds of Kanha

2010-01-10T04:27:00.000-08:00

Indian Wildlife Resorts: Exciting Birds of Kanha

Kanha National Park in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

2010-01-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Kanha National Park in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

2010-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

2010-01-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, IN - Review - Trazzler

Periyar, Kerala in Kerala, IN - Review - Trazzler

2010-01-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Periyar, Kerala in Kerala, IN - Review - Trazzler

Uday Patel - Wild Adventures

2010-01-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

Uday Patel - Wild Adventures

Uday Patel - Resorts at Pench

2010-01-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

Uday Patel - Resorts at Pench

Uday Patel - Wildlife in Central India

2010-01-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Uday Patel - Wildlife in Central India

Uday Patel - Tiger tours

2010-01-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Uday Patel - Tiger tours

Kanha Tiger Reserve - Accommodation | PassportStamp

2010-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Kanha Tiger Reserve - Accommodation | PassportStamp

Pench Tiger Reserve - Mowgli Land | PassportStamp

2010-01-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

Pench Tiger Reserve - Mowgli Land | PassportStamp

Kipling Country - Pench | PassportStamp

2010-01-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

Kipling Country - Pench | PassportStamp

Bandhavgarh Tigers & History | PassportStamp

2010-01-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Bandhavgarh Tigers & History | PassportStamp

pateluday on Xanga

2010-01-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

pateluday on Xanga

Tiger Parks | pateluday on Xanga

2010-01-06T22:46:00.000-08:00

Tiger Parks | pateluday on Xanga

Pench Safari | pateluday on Xanga

2010-01-06T22:42:00.000-08:00

Pench Safari | pateluday on Xanga

Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari | pateluday on Xanga

2010-01-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari | pateluday on Xanga

Bandhavgarh Safari | pateluday on Xanga

2010-01-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

Bandhavgarh Safari | pateluday on Xanga

Bandhavgarh Park In India

2010-01-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Bandhavgarh Park In India

Tiger at Chattisgarh

2010-01-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Tiger at Chattisgarh

Kanha National Park in India

2010-01-06T02:20:00.000-08:00

Kanha National Park in India

Best time to visit Indian tiger reserves

2010-01-06T02:09:00.000-08:00

Best time to visit Indian tiger reserves

Wildlife & Bird Tours India

2010-01-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

Wildlife & Bird Tours India

Kanha tiger reserve in Central India

2010-01-06T01:53:00.000-08:00

Kanha tiger reserve in Central India

Booking your tiger tour

2010-01-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Booking your tiger tour

Photographing Wild tigers & Birds | Matador

2009-12-31T20:41:00.000-08:00

Photographing Wild tigers & Birds | Matador

Wanderings in the wild tiger country | Matador

2009-12-30T02:24:00.000-08:00

Wanderings in the wild tiger country | Matador

Why Ecotourism? | Matador

2009-12-30T02:05:00.000-08:00

Why Ecotourism? | Matador

Wildlife Tourism Central India

2009-12-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am a strong advocate of controlled and regulated tourism in the parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India. Tourism creates awareness amongst people and at the same times generates economy which benefits the locals as well as the industry.

There are many popular wildlife sanctuaries in India where tourism is not organized at all. If this is done it will certainly reduce the tourist pressure on major National Park and Tiger reserves. These neglected wildlife habitats sometimes hold endemic or rare species tourism here will create a voice of the people and they will certainly receive much better protection.

On my birding tours India I visit many birding spots in National Parks as well near urban centers. Some are well protect but many are in pathetic conditions. Many wetlands small and big are in state of neglect and most are inundated with polluted water. Bharatpur is a rare example which gets reasonable protection due to it popularity. In Karera Bustard sanctuary not a single bird is present and so would be the case of many others not heard of.

Like wise in India wildlife watching tours can be organized in far more forest habitats than are being used for tourism at present. In Madhya Pradesh only three parks Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench cater to tourism. Satpura National Park is next upcoming wildlife tourism center which will in future reduce load on the three reserves. Similarly Sanjay National Park in Sidhi offers great tourism potential. Panna in lime light for wrong reasons should be developed and tiger population restored.

Achanakmar Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh needs much attention it has tremendous tourism and conservation protection. So is the case of Indravati National park the last refuge of wild Buffalo. Likewise Nauradehi Sanctuary offers good tourism potential. It is here that Indian Wolf is seen with ease albeit the tiger has become extinct.

Developing tourism infrastructure in less popular will be beneficial for the wildlife as well as the local communities. Making Govt. rest houses for accommodation at these places will be a good beginning till private entrepreneurs step in.

Tigers at Pench

2008-12-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

The recent BBC film on Pench tigers was an enjoyable wildlife film and offered a lot of insights in a tiger's family life. The documentation of the tigress and her cubs was well presented and very informative for wildlife lovers and nature conservationists as well.

In Central India at Pench filming tigers is a difficult and time consuming task and requires lot of resources as well. In tropical dry deciduous mixed forests like the Pench National Park the forests are dense and impenetrable at places. The grasslands are only place where reasonable viewing and filming of wild animals is possible.

Since tigers are secretive animals most of their biological activities takes place in dense forests. To film a tiger on kill is also not as easy as filming the lions on hunt. The obvious difference is the habitat which in Africa is mostly open grasslands or savannas.

Major wildlife photography establishments as BBC, National Geographic or the Partridge film company have the necessary resources, expertise and innovative skills which result in secretive aspects of the tiger being filmed.

Wildlife films are by all means educative in nature and entertaining. They create awareness and encourage people to turn into nature conservations or wildlife photographers or at least end up drawing sympathy for all forms of life. This are cucial human behavioral traits that will go a long way in saving the tiger, other wild animals and conserving wildlife habitats for gen next.

White tiger in the wild

2008-11-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

The white tiger was discovered in the State of Rewa besides its hunted mother. So far in the wild there has been no sightings of the amazing animal which has become world famous.

The white tiger is the same species as the normal orange Bengal tiger panthera tigris tigris and is not a separate subspecies as many believe. The lack of yellow pigmentation is attributed to a recessive gene which perhaps is present in all tigers. If this is true than may be once a again a white tiger will be born in the wild if the tiger species survives that is.

The white tiger has bred successfully in the zoos and the number is good all over the world. Some white tigers may be with private zoos or collector of animal species in USA and elsewhere. There are many white tigers in Indian zoos which are breeding fairly well.

White tiger is an amazing sight to behold and visitors to the zoo are wonder struck. It will create history if the white tiger is discovered again in the wild.

2008-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Documentation of Indian Natural history goes back to Vedas. The growth of Indian natural history in modern era is due to the keen interest shown by the British rulers. India with its diverse landscape, fauna and flora caught the eye of the British naturalists many of whom where in administrative service while serving in India.

The Vedas are the earliest record which list the names of 250 species of birds besides notes on various fauna and flora. The Vedas mention brood parasitism in Koel. The method of capture, taming and eventual training of wild elephants in India was documented in text dated 2000 years back.

The fauna and flora of ancient India are represented in clay potteries and tablets excavated from ancient civilizations. The protection of animals and forest conservation was first recorded in the Mauryan period especially during the period when Ashoka became a Buddhist and relinquished royal hunt.

Among Moghul rulers hunting and falconry was regularly practiced and the kings took a keen interest in documentation of nature Jehangir and Babur being the foremost. The notes from hired scribes during Moghul rule indicate widespread range of many animals which are now locally extinct in those areas.

During the British Raj, Indian Civil Services employed British naturalists many of whom studied Indian natural history out of curiosity while other collected wild species for naturalists and museums in Europe and Great Britain. Unfortunately destruction of forests and hunting went on a large scale by Indian princes and British royalties. As a result the lion was reduced to a small pocket in Gujarat and the India Cheetah became extinct. The precarious state of Indian tiger is as a result of indiscriminate poaching and habitat destruction.

During the British rule and post independence period Bombay Natural History Society has done a commendable work on Indian natural history by studying and recording nature and wild animals in India. The society is engaged in productive active of nature conservation as well.

India records around 1300 species of birds including sub species while there are more than 300 mammalian species. The list of reptiles and insects including butterflies is also very impressive. Due to influence of various zoo geographical zones Indian wildlife is unique.

Many wild species in India are threatened with extinction and wildlife itself survives in badly fragmented pockets. The tiger is one such case where in the population has decreased to few thousands from estimated forty thousand during the British Raj.

Most of the flora and fauna in India now survive in tiger reserves, Indian National Parks and sanctuaries scattered all over the country and contiguous forest belts are rare and diminishing. For tourists wildlife safaris at the conservation areas NPs and tiger reserves is the best way to see the tiger and other Indian wild animals.

Most of the National Parks and wildlife resorts have tourism zones for tiger safaris and bird watching. These are popular for tiger sightings, wildlife photography and watching wild animals like deer and lesser carnivore. Most popular reserves in India are Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore, Kaziranga, Manas, Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh also Pench in Central India.

Tiger Safaris in October

2008-09-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

In early days of tourism at Central Indian tiger reserves the park opened up in November for tiger safaris this offered a much needed rest and peace to wildlife and the park authorities had the time to re - establish road infrastructure etc.

All that has changed now. The tiger tourism is on peak and the tourist rush is considerable. So the park now opens in October a month earlier than before. Why?

Well! Tourism. Yes!

And the hotels at National Parks which wish to capitalize of tourist inflow to the optimum best. They managed to convince the park management that since the breeding season o most of the wildlife gets over by this time it is okay to commence tiger safaris earlier.

Since Kanha is the largest and mos popular National Park the owners of wildlife resorts at Kanha are the most active in matters relating to park safaris and tourism.

In October the monsoon rains have come to an end and with its departure humidity and wetness have been replaced by sunny weather and a bit of comforting cold. Inside the park, flora is at its optimum density and visibility is limited to few paces. Hence tiger trekking is difficult but nevertheless tigers are seen albeit at higher odds. So a minimum three night stay is advised to the tourists.

During October and early November the parks are at their picturesque best attired in green all over. This is the time when the weather too is at its best. So it is a happy time for tourist on tiger safari at Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Parks.

In anticipation booking is done months in advance and especially during the Diwali holidays. This is the time when the rush is at its greatest.

End of the season

2008-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

With the start of the monsoon the park closes for the tourists. Every year the park closes down on 3oth June and re-opens on 16th October this year. This gives much rest and privacy to the wild animals of the park.

But one negative aspect of the absence of tourists is that the park become more susceptible to poaching another reason for this is the turbulent rains which makes traversing many areas of the park difficult even for the elephant patrol. The whole staff including the guides are involved in safe guarding the park and protecting the animals from marauding poachers. It is hard work for the park staff looking after the wild animals and forests. This is true conservation effort and the staff should be rewarded by tourists and all for this if nothing more.

The activities in hotels in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and other Indian tiger reserves comes to an end. It is time for rest for the hotel staff and the managers much needed. Servicing the guests is a difficult task what with most of the resources being fetched from major towns.

The timings for the staff are very tough during the season. They have to get up as early as 3.3 am in the bitter cold after having gone to sleep around 11pm. The immediate task is to prepare breakfast and tea which is offered as packed brunch too. The visitors are woken up for the park safari after this so that they leave for the gate in time. The whole day is spent doing numerous chores and serving the guests. Most of the staff goes to sleep late and gets up very early with limited rest.

It is very disappointing when some ungrateful guests do not tip them.

Eco tourism is not only fun and excitement watching rare and endangered species like the tiger. It is a responsible tourism as well so all activities that encourage the locals and those involved will go long way in saving our precious natural inheritance.

Welcome to a Wildlife Resort

2008-07-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started frequenting Kanha as a naturalist guide, I developed a habit to account all things interesting at this wonderful National Park in India.

The last trip was few days before the Kanha gates closed for the monsoon. Monsoons are a period of heavy rains in most part s of India including Kanha National Park.

Once you become a Kanha fan it beckons you again and again, such is the magic of this nature preserve. Not only the tigers, the paradise has so much to offer.

On my last visit I happened to visit a luxury resort at Mocha - few kilometers from park gates - in order to take a measure of new accommodations that have been established in recent times.

The Celebration Van Vilas Resort in true sense defines the world "luxury". Yes the Kanha Resort is three star resort set amidst the lush green ambiance of Kanha. It has been designed to cater to the upper class tourists who wish for luxury yet do not wish to sacrifice the feel of the wilderness and tradition.

As a premium three star jungle lodge Celebration keeps it promise. It delivers luxury and comfort and yet mingles perfectly with surroundings of Kanha's pristine forests. In spite of being a luxury lodge meant for high profile ecotourists from India and Abroad it retains India's rustic charm and warmth.

No wonder the owners are age old conservationists and wildlife lovers and hence their experience of forest life speaks quite loud in their venture at Kanha. The resort justifies its surroundings and adds to the natural beauty of the forests. The wide expanse of the property with large number of cottages dressed in ethnic splendor and cool pool invites wildlife lovers with open arms. The hotel spells class and justifies it with its superb architecture, exquisite decor and dotting service and cuisine which never fail to impress. Yet the resort is a prime example of responsible tourism.

The resort has all the must haves of a true old time hunting lodges - a lofty machan (hide) for bird watching and catching site of the elusive panther who petrols the jungle treks in the night as sentinel of the wild. He often drops in to say Hello to the guests...Well almost.

Naturalist guides with years of experience who regale you with enchanting encounters in the wild with tigers and other mammals. The interactive well equipped lecture hall is where one should lend ear to detailed lectures on Kanha and Indian wildlife. One should also spend free time with the nature guides here for interpretative dialog on the amazing biodiversity - flora and fauna of Kanha.

Well stocked library lets you step deep into the realms of the wilderness, hunting and wild animals of India, penned by top naturalist guides, wildlife biologists and writers. Else watch a movie of nature and wildlife in the auditorium.

I rate Celebration as the best place to stay in luxury at Kanha. It cannot be outdone in organizing luxury widlife safari in the parkas well. Celebration Van Vilas is simply the best.