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Ranthambhor National Park, before a princely game conserve
is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best
seen. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of
Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in
Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating
landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle
and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical
hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends
amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus
pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus,
meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals
make the jungle. Three big lakes - Padam Talab (meaning
Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh - are similar turquoises
studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation
including duckweeds, lilies and lotus. |
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A significant geological feature within the park
is the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya
plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal
in the South and the Banas in the North bound the
National Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky
hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor
Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape.
The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous
forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes
and rivers that are only made passable by rough
roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor;
although it is the one park resident that people
come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets,
the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal,
Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild
Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the
other attractions. |
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Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical problems encountered
by all game reserves in India - people living in
and around the parks and grazing by livestock! Between
1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhor National
Park were resettled outside the designated park
area with only a few people now residing in scattered
hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue
their activities with increasing demand from China
for Tiger parts. There are no accurate figures on
how many tigers and poachers kill other species,
but on occasion evidence appears in the form of
large numbers of skins and other body parts found
on couriers.
The park is well staffed and the folk who man the
centres and the mandatory guides - one for every
vehicle, are knowledgeable of the terrain and some
even know the Latin names of most species.
The
tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor;
although it is the one park resident people come
to see. We were lucky to see several varieties of
birds including these owlets peering through their
burrow pictured here on the right and of course
the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in the
reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal,
jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and
various species of deer.
The main food source for the tiger is the swamp
deer like Barasinsga and on occasion the wild
buffalo and also wild boar etc. If you wish to stay
near the park, the facilities on offer are superb.
The park gates open a half hour before sunrise and
close half hour after sunset. The timings are vigorously
imposed and no exceptions are made to this rule.
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Save Tiger
Like
oil lamps flickering in the wind, the world's
tiger population is unhurriedly being snuffed
out. Several books and literature have been
produced to describe the most intriguing,
the most powerful and the most majestic of
all animals. The Hindu tradition and culture
have a place of honor and worship for tiger.
In India people had added Singh, Sher and
Nahar on their names to upgrade their class.
Yet people have been incredibly scant to the
cause of the tiger. This web site aims in
graphics, pictures and prose to advance the
level of wakefulness and concern for this
mythical and secretive striped beauty that
placidly roams the jungles. |
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There is enormous pressure on the habitat
of the tigers, the Ranthambhore Foundations
hopes to strike an ecological balance
and complete harmony between man and
the beast.
Tiger Moments
Tiger Burning
Bright in rare and relaxed moments exhibits
it lovable beauty. It is in these moments
that the sheer beauty and power of this
animal comes out so mesmerizing. It
is an experience that no one should
fail to spot. If your grand mother has
told you that cat the maternal aunt
of the tiger did not teach a tiger to
climb trees so he can't climb trees
then she was probably not wholly right.
A commendable photographs shows that
tigers can scale trees like other cats
but only upto 16 months of age of after
which they too heavy to do so.
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