Environ

www.environmagazine.com

LIFE IN WILD VOL.XIV NO. 1 APRIL - JUNE 2016 ` 100/-

TIGER COLLARWALLI The Queen of Pench

Wildebeest Migration at MASAI MARA

The Mango Mother of RANTHAMBHORE

Tiger Special

VOL.XIV NO. 1 APRIL - JUNE 2016

A Quarterly Magazine on Wildlife and Environment

Sachin Narayanan

Cover Story Collarwali - the queen of pench

04

The mother mango

10

The magical kabini

18

Interview

24

Wildlife/Research Mitigating snakebites through education and awareness

46

Techguru Depth of field

Cover Story Aborad Wildebeest migration at masai mara

Wildlife News Pench Tigress with 2 cubs found dead

13

14

26

Cover photograph: Anindya Sengupta, Photographed at UKLS, Maharashtra, EXIF : Canon 5D III, Canon EF 300 f/2.8 IS III, ISO 320, 1/2000, f/2.8 Mode: AP Bias: -0.3

Photo Feature Tigers of India

32

Did you know

53

Wildlife/Travel Leopards of satpura

54

Kids for Nature

61

Letters to editor

62

Editor’s choice

64

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Pench Tiger Reserve, MP

Biswajit Roy Chowdhury

Hello readers, hope you have booked your forest routes much ahead of this tiger season.

Present status of tigers in India has shown an increase of about 30% in comparison to the figure of 2011. The number has gone up to 2226 in the census which took place in 2014, as against 1706 in 2011. Census figure of 2008 was restricted to 1400 only.

As a natural reaction our Union Minister Prakash Javadekar rightly stated that, “ While tiger population is falling in the world, it is rising in India. It is great news!” Yes, there are reasons to congratulate our forest managers. It is more encouraging that many of our Protected areas are having good number of cubs - from Sunderban to Tadoba and from Bandhavgarh to Pench. Figures of Nagarhole and Bandipur in South India and Kaziranga in the North-East indicate a steady increase.

Yet, in some pockets, NTCA has to be more careful. Such an area is Umred-Kharandla where number of the striped cats are steadily going beyond carrying capacity. Moreover, the prebase of Sunderban and Kharandla need a thorough study. In Ranthambhore people only talk about the family of T-19, T-25, T-28, T-30 and T-7. Other tigers are elusive. So, we should take lesson from our past. On the other hand, Panna is a success story after re-introduction.

But, overall situation is, no doubt, impressive. Thanks should go to the decision of the Apex Court, Forest authorities and NTCA. This issue of Environ is dedicated to our tigers. From this issue, in order to provide phtography tips to the budding photographers, we have introduced a regular chapter, “Techguru”. We have planned our next issue as a “Leopard Special”. Till then good bye.

C O V E R

S T O R Y

COLLARWALI

The Queen of Pench

Text & Pix.: Sanjay Kumar Shukla

“Since This story aims to showcase "Collarwali"- one of the most beautiful and popular tigress of the country that has helped in increasing the population of tigers

I got posted in Seoni in August 2014, I found everyone talking about this tigress "Collarwali". But I had no luck till 3rd March 2015, when I saw and photographed her more than six months of my joining in Seoni.

This story aims to showcase "Collarwali"- one of the most beautiful and popular tigress of the country who has helped in increasing the population of tigers in one of the important tiger landscapes nestled in the Satpura Ranges of Central India.

Since 2008, so far, she has given birth to 22 cubs in 6 litters.

No wonder she is called the "Queen of Pench"! The good sighting of tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve and nearby protected areas of Maharashtra owe much to this tigress.

Tigress T-15 was collared with a radio collar on 11th March 2008. Soon after collaring, the collar got dysfunctional. This collar had to be removed by tranquillizing the tigress. But this was not possible as she was continuously with cubs since Dec 2008. And, tranquilizing mother in such a situation could be a threat for survival of cubs. Soon this collar became the identity of T-15 and she became popular with the name "Collarwali".

T 15 was born to Badimada or T-7 in 2005 along with three other siblings, two males and one female cub. They were seen for the first time on 9th September 2005 in Adjalmatta area in Karmajhiri Range when forest staffs were doing routine patrolling on elephants. The cubs seemed to be only a week old as their eyes were still not open.

I recall my first sighting of this fabulous tigress when BBC was shooting a film on the tigers of Pench Tiger Reserve.

They made a documentary named "Spy in the Jungle".

That time she was about 18 months old and was still moving with her mother along with her other two siblings. It was a truly thrilling moment when I saw the mother teaching her cubs the art of hunting- a key lesson

Mother & the cubs

for survival in the wild. My first image of this T15 is of one such session in which she killed a spotted deer fawn. Badimada(T-7) watched from a distance only, approving her daughter of killing on her own. That time, I could have never imagined in my dreams that one day she is going to rule the jungles of Pench.

My second encounter with the queen was in December 2008 when she had given birth to three beautiful cubs. Even then, I didn't have the faintest idea that she is the tigress who is soon going to be a show stopper. It was a rare opportunity that I witnessed- the tigress shifting her cubs from one shelter to another by holding the cubs gently by their heads in her mouth. I got so engrossed and mesmerized that I just forgot to even photograph these rare moments. These were the cubs of the first litter which she gave birth at the age of around two and half years in Kalapahad area. I captured images of those cubs but unfortunately none of them survived. It happens quite often with cats when their

06 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

inexperience in rearing their infants makes the survival difficult in the first litter.

The second litters were noticed in October 2008 when mahaouts were out for patrolling in the jungle on elephants. They noticed the mammary glands of tigress indicating her motherhood.

They followed her and soon they saw four cubs in Lantana 2 region of compartment number 585.

All the four cubs of the second litter survived and created their own territory after separating from their mother.

The third litter created a history of a sort when T15 was sighted with five cubs, four female and one male. This litter placed T-15 at the pinnacle of the glory of Pench Tiger Reserve. She soon became star attraction of Pench and was seen quite regularly with all her five cubs. She is never shy of camera and gave photographers some really good captures of lifetime. She became the poster queen with all her five cubs and has been responsible for promoting wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Unfortunately, I could not get

an opportunity to photograph T-15 with her cubs of second and third litter. All the five cubs of this litter also survived. One of the female cubs (K-5) of this third litter got a rare privilege of reintroduction in Panna Tiger Reserve. She was translocated on 21st January 2014. She gave birth to three cubs in Panna and proved that her selection for shifting to a new habitat was towards a larger conservation effort of this species in wild.

Fourth litter was recorded in May 2012 when T15 was seen with three cubs. Two of these cubs, one male and one female survived.

The fifth litter was noticed in October 2013 when she was seen with three cubs. All these three cubs survived and all these were males. Now, they are almost three years old and have separated from their mother. But, still they move together quite often. They still hunt and feed together sometime. Soon they will separate and will establish their own territories. Presently, they are among the most photographed tigers of Pench as they are mostly seen in the tourism zone of Alikatta, Lantanas and Kala Pahad. The sixth litter was reported in April 2016 when Collarwali was seen with four cubs. One cub died before Subadult cubs

monsoon. I saw all three cubs with their mother on 2nd June 2016 and photographed my first image of the sixth litter. During monsoon, her movements were not seen much, due to tall grasses and difficulty in accessing all the areas of the forest. When she was seen, there were only two cubs with her. Now, these cubs are almost 10 months old and are seen moving with their mother in areas close to Alikatta, Sitaghat and Mahadeo Ghat.

It is unusual for a tigress to give birth to six litters in a span of just seven years. In all, she gave birth to twenty two cubs out of which seventeen added to the population of tigers in this landscape.

Fifteen of these grew into adult tigers and made their own territories, and two are still with mother. Raising so many cubs to adulthood is not an easy job. She seems to have perfected the art of keeping all the cubs safe and making them grow

healthy. Many of these cubs moved to the adjoining areas of Maharashtra to make their own territories.

The tiger population in this landscape shows a good growth in the recent past. The management of Pench Tiger Reserve deserves all the praise for their excellent conservation efforts. There are some more breeding tigresses in the core and buffer areas who have also added, to a large extent, to the tiger population in this landscape.

But, Collarwali stands apart by the sheer number of cubs she gave birth to, thus, adding to the glory of Pench Tiger Reserve.

About the Author: Mr. Sanjay Kumar Shukla, IFS is the Chief Conservator of Forests, Seoni Circle, Seoni, Madhya Pradesh

The proud mother

08 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

C O V E R

S T O R Y

THE MANGO MOTHER OF RANTHAMBHORE

Text & Pix.: SHARD SHARMA

“T-30 She was a dominant tigress of Jail - Khoh and Gilai - Sagar area.

She was popularly known as Mango Mother

or Husnara, a 12 years old tigress was found dead on 21st January, 2016 in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The dead tigress was found in Khandar area, Ganesh Nagar, Padra village which is beyond tourism area. The tigress was initially found in sick condition by the local villagers who then, informed the Forest Department, following which a team of veterinarians and forest ofď€ cials rushed to the spot to check on her. They found her struggling to move her legs for a while before she breathed her last.

She was a dominant tigress of Jail-Khoh and Gilai-Sagar area. She was popularly known as Mango mother. She roamed between Jail-Khoh, Khatola-Khoh, Pretdeh and Sikari area. Little is known about her early life. She had given birth to nine cubs in four litters in her life span. She littered one beautiful male cub along with T 20 (Jhumru).

The male tiger was known as T-33 (Hammir) who is a dominant tiger and established his territory at Bhind and Talada range in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. T 30 produced her second litter - three cubs including two males and one female, again fathered by T-20. The cubs are known such as T-42, T-43 and T-44. The tigress, T-44 was shifted to Sariska Tiger Reserve while T-42 ( Fateh) and T-43(Surjan) both established their territories in Zones 9 and 10 of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.

She gave birth to third litter that included two females and one male fathered by T-3 (Bahadur). The third litter was spotted in camera trap in April 2012.

The Mango mother relaxing with her cubs

These three cubs are known as T-69 (female), T-70 (female) and T-71 (male). T-69 moved in Kaila Devi area. T-70 has made her territory in Sawata Dang area while male cub T-71 established his territory at Kaila –Devi range.

She gave birth to her fourth and last litter of one male and one female cub, fathered by T3. Both the cubs haven't been given numbers yet. They have been staying with their mother.

She spent her life with two different dominant male tigers, T-20 and T-3. Both these tigers are offsprings of T-16, the great Machhli.

She was a great mother. She produced four litters with nine cubs which is the highest number in Ranthambhore history.

No doubt, she was a great mother of

12 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

Ranthambhore tiger fraternity who played a critical role to sustain not only Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve but also Sariska Tiger Reserve as, her daughter T-44 was shifted to Sariska Tiger Reserve when the reserve lost all its tigers. She was the pride of Ranthambhore, but she was always away from glory and popularity because she had spent her whole life in an area beyond the tourism limits.

We will really miss you, Mango Mother. You were really the pride of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.

God bless you!

About the Author: Mr. Shard Sharma is an experienced nature guide based in Ranthambhore. He can be reached at shard.ran@gmail.com and 8769272794

W I L D L I F E

N E W S

PENCH TIGRESS WITH 2 CUBS FOUND DEAD

Post-Mortem Report Hints At Poisoning, Source Unclear In a big blow to tiger conservation, Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), adjudged one of the best reserves in the country, has lost three tigers over the last two days.

The post-mortem reports suggest that a tigress and two of its four cubs died of poisoning, possibly after drinking from a poisoned water source or feeding on a poisoned carcass.

The deaths, which have taken the toll in Pench reserve to five this year, have exposed gross mismanagement by forest department, which allegedly did not take precautions while repairing a road in the prime tiger habitat.

On Monday evening, the famous Baghin nullah tigress, which would be frequently sighted on the Turia gate route of Madhya Pradesh Pench, was found dead by some tourists. The 11-12-year-old tigress was known to be the matriarch of PTR, having delivered four litters here. The last litter had four cubs, which are around 8 months old.

The bodies of two of these cubs too were found on Tuesday during a search operation. The carcass of a spotted deer was found near the cubs.

MP field director Subharanjan Sen confirmed to TOI that the tiger family and deer died due to the same poison.“We have conducted post-mortem on all bodies and the reports confirmed it is a clear case of poisoning. However, the source of

poisoning has not come to the fore yet. We have increased patrolling and launched a probe to find the poison source and culprits,“ he said.

Wildlife conservationists have demanded that the poisoned water source be identified immediately since the area also has movement of another female and a male tiger.

TOI learnt that the forest department had called a team of naturalists and wildlife conservationists to witness the post-mortem procedure. Tourists and ground-level staffers, who were at the spot on Monday , said the tigress was spotted lying still around 6.20pm near the outer road of Baghin nullah. Insiders said that an excavator had entered the reserve to repair the inner Baghin nullah road.

“I saw some labourers going close to the tigress to take photographs, but she was not moving at all.

It was then that we realized she was dead and immediately informed officials,“ said Gypsy owner Monu Dubey .

On Tuesday , a team of forest officials on a search operation with dog squads found bodies of the two dead cubs and a deer, around 50 metres from where the tigress's body was discovered. Though the remaining two cubs are missing, one of them was reportedly seen feeding on the carcass of a dead cub earlier.

Source: Times Of India 30/03/2016

WILDLIFE NEWS l ENVIRON 13

Text: PRIYANKA KADAM

Common krait

W I L D L I F E

Pix: Sunil Sachi

/

R E

S E A R C H

Mitigating Snakebites

through Education and Awareness As I pen this article, I wonder what it means to love nature a n d w i l d - l i f e . T h e re a re hundreds of acres of forest land being swallowed every single day thanks to man's greed to possess. Habitat loss is like a fast approaching hurricane, destroying everything in its path.

Somewhere in between the two worlds of hedonism and idealism, rests the real world which has lost touch with the universal veneration of the elements of nature. We have forgotten to live as a natural community. Instead, the space that man and animals share is getting compartmentalized.

Man lives in cities, towns and villages while a animals live in forests. However there are many species of animals that have co-existed with humans and are found around human 14 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

settlements, some of these are snakes, leopards, jackals etc.

The biggest man-animal conflict that one finds in India involves snakes. Due to the conditioned fear of snakes, the moment a snake is seen in the neighbourhood, people hurry to kill it. Our unfounded fear of serpents has made us forget the fact that snakes are good environment cleaners as they prey on rodents, lizards and frogs. Every year post harvest, millions of tons of food grains are eaten up by rodents. It is therefore, a good thing to have snakes around that can balance the food chain and help save food grains which can be used to feed millions of people in India.

India has more than 276 species of snakes out of which 62 are of the venomous category with a diverse

distribution of species across the main land and islands. To add to this, India is also the second most populous country in the world (1.2 billion people). The big four, namely Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's viper and Saw Scaled Viper are commonly found in the rural agricultural landscape of India. It is therefore natural that the people living in the rural belts come in contact with the big four more frequently and thus, there are more cases of snake bite.

T h e S n a ke b i t e M o r t a l i t y Survey by Mohaptra in 2011 puts the annual snakebite death count in India to be 45,900. However, there are many cases that do not get reported as victims in rural belts do not report to hospitals for treatment. My personal

view is that this number could be much higher, as many cases of death by snakebite go unreported.

There are many dogmas and myths around snakes and snakebites. Believers prefer to be treated by faith healers and local temple priests. However in a venomous snakebite situation, apart from AntiSnake venom (ASV) nothing else can save a life. In such a scenario, when people die, their family members do not report the cause of death to the local hospital or police station.

These deaths therefore do not add up to the snakebite related mortality rate in India.

In 2014, Snakebite Healing and Education Society (SHE) was formed with an aim to work to mitigate snakebites. This initiative specifically works in the rural areas where the victims are from agrarian background and are generally from below the poverty line.

Government hospitals equipped to treat snakebites are far apart in remote areas. In such a scenario, the victims depend on private health centers (mainly missionary hospitals) for treatment. Since these hospitals buy the ASV from the retail market, the price of a single ASV is

between Rs. 950 to Rs. 1500 depending on demand and supply of ASV in that region.

This naturally increases the c o s t o f t re a t m e n t a s t h e average ASV used to treat snakebites can vary from 10 vials to 30 vials.

Snakebite is not just a medical condition. It is a social and economic phenomenon. The snakebite victims in rural belts are mostly landless laborers having a daily wage existence.

In a venomous snakebite scenario, the victim not only suffers the high cost of treatment but also loss of livelihood while recuperating from a venomous snake bite. It could sometimes take months for the patient to become productive and earn money. In a scenario wherein the victim is the sole bread winner of the

family and has school going children, the wards are taken out of school and are pushed into child labour so that the family can bear the financial burden.

There is a need to create snake awareness across the country.

Educate people about the importance of snakes and also simple methods of do's and don'ts to avoid getting bitten in the first instance. The simple but effective thumb rules to avoid being bitten by snakes are: 1. Learn to live with the elements (snakes) instead of going on a killing spree. This can be done by creating scenarios that can minimize the risk of a venomous snakebite. Eliminate microhabitats that can attract house rodents, lizards and snakes.

Avoid having shrubs in the garden close to the house, potted plants in the patio, gunny bags filled with food grains, bundles of dry wood, cow dung cake piles (used as fuel in the villages), open garbage bins and basically all things stored close to and inside houses that can be used as temporary dwellings for rodents, lizards and snakes.

WILDLIFE / RESEARCH l ENVIRON 15

2. Reach out to the communities in the villages, towns and cities and create awareness about the venomous snakes found in their region. Discuss their natural tendencies like which part of the day / year they are most active. What is their prey base? Knowing when snakes mate is also very important as this is the time the reptiles are moving around in search of a potential mate. Knowing basic facts about these reptiles can keep us out of danger.

3. Avoid sleeping on floors.

4. Use mosquito nets that will not only prevent malaria but also keep away snakes, scorpions, centipedes and spiders.

5. Look before you reach out to pull out or store things in a corner. Be aware of where you put your hand and feet especially after dark.

6. Use of torches / lanterns while venturing out after sun down.

7. Use of proper footwear to

16 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

prevent bites.

8. Eliminate all snakebite myths plaguing the masses with science based rationality and logic.

9. Spread the message about Anti Snake Venom (ASV) being the only treatment to cure a venomous snake bite.

10. Spread the importance of taking a snakebite victim immediately to the nearest hospital. The first hour of the bite (referred to as the golden hour) is the most crucial in the survival and recovery of the victim.

Pix: Dr. Nagara

11. During monsoon, having a bulb outside the main door attracts insects which further attracts lizards and frogs. Not far behind are snakes in search of food. So, if one has the bulb strategically placed away from the main entrance but illuminating the pathway, this will also prevent snakebite incidents.

If one follows simple rules to avoid getting bitten, the death

by snakebite numbers will automatically reduce.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. And in a snakebite situation, it can be a lifesaving move.

The author is the founder of SHE - Snakebite Healing and Education Society (www.sheindia.org)

C O V E R

S T O R Y

THE MAGICAL

KABINI

Text & Pix.: KRISHNENDU MUKHERJEE

“As It has been named after river Kabani that originates from Kerala's Wayanad as a result of the confluence of the Panamaram river and Mananthavady river. It flows eastward to join the Kaveririver at Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka

a wildlife journalist and enthusiast, I have been to several forests in India. The seeds of my love for wildlife were sown way back in the late 80s during a family trip to the Sunderbans. My stint as a journalist with the Times of India's Nagpur edition brought me closer to the forests in the central Indian landscape — Tadoba, Pench, Bandhavgarh and Nagzira.

Be it on official assignments or holidays, the call of wild only grew louder for me. The result was obvious. More and more forest trips — from Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand and Kaziranga in Assam's Brahmaputra floodplains to North Bengal's Buxa tiger reserve, Jaldapara National Park and the pristine forests of Chilapata.

But, the forests of south India never found a place in my itinerary, till October this year, when I finally made up my mind to visit Karnataka's Kabini — a part of Nagarhole National park and a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Mysore.

It has been named after river Kabani that originates from Kerala's Wayanad as a result of the confluence of the Panamaram river and Mananthavady river. It flows eastward to join the Kaveri river at Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka. The Kaveri river then empties into the Bay of Bengal. Close to the town of Sargur, it forms the huge Kabini Reservoir. The backwaters of the reservoir are very rich in wildlife, especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. The Kabini dam is 2,284 ft (696 m) in length with an original gross storage of 19.52 tmcft, but that has been reduced considerably due to silt accumulation. The

Tiger drinking water from a puddle

Dholes, the ‘whistling killers’

Kabini dam is situated between villages Bichanahalli and Bidarahalli, Mysore district.

Situated on the banks of the Kabini river, the reserve is spread over 55 acres (22 ha) of forestland. Once a private hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, Kabini was a popular 'shikar' hotspot for British Viceroys and Indian royalty. Now it is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life.

But, what makes Kabini so special among wildlife buffs and photographers? A lush green landscape surrounding the Kabiniriver, steep valleys, forestland hemmed by sandalwood, rosewood and teak trees and of course, sightings of elephants, tigers, leopards and wild dogs apart from a fantastic bird life.

This tour was particularly special for me because of the tigers. On a terrain where the sighting of big cat is rare, I was lucky to see three. Be it the tigertank female, the backwaters sub-adult male or the G K Tank male, each sighting was special. But, the trip was not all about tigers. From a tusker's appearance on the river banks transforming the landscape to the hunting bid by a pack of wild dogs, also known as 'whistling' killers, there are several stories to tell.

The hospitality at the Kabini River Lodge is excellent. Apart from the gypsy safaris, they organize boat safaris too. You must opt for the boat rides to get a glimpse of the birdlife here.

From cormorants to storks and pond herons, the 22 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

three-hour boat safari is truly enchanting. I was lucky to sight an osprey, a fish-eating bird of prey, diving into the river picking up a fish. It fixed its sight on the fish about 10 – 40 m above the water, after which the bird hovered momentarily before plunging feet into the water. The osprey is particularly well adapted to this diet, with reversible outer toes, sharp spicules on the underside of the toes, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, and backwards-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch.

I also managed to sight brahminy kites, a cormorant with chicks in its nest, a painted stork and marsh crocodiles during one of the boat safaris.

A yawning tiger

The safaris, both boat and gypsy, last for three hours and one can avail safaris in the early morning (6 am to 9 am) and around 3:30 pm in the afternoon. The best time to get a glimpse of the animals is in the early hours. And, it's an amazing experience. During one of the morning safaris, with drizzles around, I was lucky to sight a tiger drinking water from a puddle. With alarm calls of deer around, we managed to locate the tiger, sitting on an open road, from a distance. The sighting lasted for about eight to ten minutes, it kept drinking water and at times stared at us.

After it disappeared into the woods, a guide told us, that it made a gaur kill nearby and hence, was coming out of the forest frequently to drink from the puddles lled with rain water.

The place can also be reached from Bangalore — a journey of about ve hours. So, what are you waiting for? If you are a wildlife buff and planning a trip, visit Kabini — the land of roar and trumpet in the South.

The last safari was even more eventful as we managed to sight two tigers – a male and a female – in the last twenty minutes. The male was sitting on a narrow road and as we approached, it stood

About the Author: The author is the Deputy News Editor, The Times of India, Kolkata

up – it was an amazing sighting, from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, the tiger covered the entire road. After it went inside the bush, we moved forward a few metres, only to nd a female tiger on her morning patrol. It scratched a tree trunk, sprayed urine on another tree to mark her territory, drank water from a roadside puddle and walked ahead of our gypsy for seven to eight minutes before vanishing into the woods. It was a sighting of a lifetime.

Osprey with a kill

COVERSTORY l ENVIRON 23

C O V E R

S T O R Y

INTERVIEW WITH MURARI PRASAD TAMREKAR, ACF (RETD.) PANNA TIGER RESERVE, MP, INDIA How Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR), a jewel in the crown of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, was devoid of all its earlier tigers in early 2009 was a stupefying mystery more so, the revival of all its lost glory within two years, by the end of 2010 w i t h T 1, a f e m a l e t i g e r b r o u g h t f r o m Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), giving her first litter of four cubs in April 2010 and T2, a female brought from Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) delivering four more cubs in Oct 2010.

The success story of PTR was almost relived on 27th Feb 2016 evening when we met Mr. Tamrekar over a cup of coffee on the sprawling lawns of the mesmerizing Hinouta FRH, after a satisfying evening safari in the park. Some excerpts are given for our readers to rejoice the experience.

ENVIRON TEAM: Sir, what was the main reason for this tragic episode which came into limelight in 2009?

Mr. Tamrekar: It was mainly due to unimpeded and heinous poaching of this magnanimous animal for the sake of some stupid superstitions, clubbed with the unrestricted movement of the dacoits in this barren territory.

ENVIRON TEAM: What was your tenure as an officer in this park?

Mr. Tamrekar: I was in this forest as RO from 1995 to 2002 and as an ACF from 2009 to 2014. I retired in June.

ENVIRON TEAM: Was reviving the glory a much more difficult event than losing it?

Mr. Tamrekar: It was a herculean task for sure. A comprehensive Tiger Reintroduction Project was drawn up by Sep 2009 with funding from NTCA and scientific inputs from WII Dehradoon, under which two adult male tigers were proposed to be introduced at PTR which would serve as the founder population to re-establish the tiger population here.

ENVIRON TEAM: Can you please elaborate 24 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

your experience as you were one of the key team members of this project.

Mr. Tamrekar: The team under Mr. R. Srinivas Murti (FD) was called for the execution of this project, who spent sleepless nights for its success. Mr. Parihar (DFO), Mr. Vikram Singh, Mr. V.R. Gaware (ACF) and myself were lucky to be in his team. After T1 & T2 (two female Tigers), a male (T3) was brought to PTR from Pench TR by a helicopter to offset the skewed sex ratio here. But the much anticipated program came to a halt, when the mighty male moved out of the park in southern direction towards its home location Pench, following the 'SUN POSITION', crossing the hostile and inhospitable terrains of Chattarpur, Sagar & Damoh districts for 30 days. The team decided to follow him even without the VHF signals, which paid a rich dividend at the end. A team of 70 officials under the FD was more than happy to finally tranquilize T3 and released him inside the park securing him from gun shots, electrocution & poisoning. After completing this arduous task, the park management moved to a full proof mechanism of 24x7 basis monitoring system, which resulted into the first ever breeding success of reintroduced tigers of this century. In April 2010, T1 delivered four cubs and in October,T2 was also blessed with four cubs from T3.

ENVIRON TEAM: How bright is the present situation and what is the future of PTR? Mr. Tamrekar: The figures speaks for itself.

Under the able guidance of our present FD, Mr. Vivek Jain, Mr. Ravikant Mishra (JD), 03 ACF and 11 RO, PTR has been successful in protecting its habitat for wild tigers. Out of our 37 living tigers we have even given 3 tigers to Satpura, Sanjay Dhubri & BanVihar, for conservational causes.

We are confident that history will repeat itself and PTR will shine once again as the most successful, popular & protective tiger Habitats in India. We wish co-operation and good wishes from all nature & tiger lovers.

As interviewed by ENVIRON TEAM on 27th February, 2016.

Apurture: F/2.8

T E C H G U R U

DEPTH OF FIELD OR DEPTH OF FOCUS (DOF) FOR STARTERS All photographers, amateur or professional, must have come across the term DOF, but if you are a beginner in this field of activity, you may not be taking full advantage of this photographic tool. A quick guide will lead you through some of its aspects.

Basic Definition The area of a photograph that is in acceptable sharpness of focus. If a small area in a frame is in sharp focus, the frame is termed photo with shallow depth of focus and that with a larger area of focus is termed as deep depth of focus.

Three main factors affecting DOF 1. Aperture of camera lens (f-stop) Aperture is the diameter of the hole through which light enters the camera sensor. This is the simplest way to control depth of field as you set up a frame.

Large aperture > Small f-number > Shallow depth of field Small aperture > Larger f-number > Deeper depth of field Example: f/2.8 will produce shallow depth of field (small area in focus) f/16 will produce a deeper depth of field (larger area in focus) 2. Distance of subject from camera Closer the subject is to the camera, shallower the

depth of field (small area in focus). Hence moving away from the subject will deepen your depth of field (larger area in focus).

3. Focal length of lens used to take the photograph.

The focal length of the lens is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus, usually stated in mm. The longer your focal length is set, the shallower the depth of field.

Example: Subject is 10 meters (33 feet) away, using a focal length of 50mm at f/4; the depth of field range would be from 7.5 -14.7 meters (24.6-48 feet) for a total DOF of 7.2 meters (23.6 feet).

If zoomed into 100 mm from the same spot, the depth of field changes to 9.2-10.9 m (30.1-35.8') for a total of 1.7 m (5.7') of depth of field.

If moved to 20 m (66') away from your subject using the 100 mm lens, the depth of field is almost the same as it would be at 10 meters using a 50 mm lens.

DOF setting in point and shoot cameras: In even basic P&S cameras there are controls for these settings. A portrait mode is made for shallow DOF and landscape mode is for deeper DOF. Distribution of DOF in the photo frame: It is normally about one third in front and two thirds behind the focal point, but as the focal length increases, it becomes more equal.

Apurture: F/11 TECHGURU l ENVIRON 27

Apurture: F/7.1

When to use this DOF tool Managing DOF is perhaps the most important tool to make a photograph look good. What subject or which part of the subject should be look sharp is always under the control of the photographer. Neither shallow DOF, nor Deep DOF always enhance the visual effect. Selective use of this great tool speaks about the creativity of the photographer behind the camera.

Normally in Portrait, Wildlife and Sports photography shallow DOF is used to separate out the subject from the background, whereas in Nature and Landscape photography deeper DOF is required to keep the entire frame in sharper focus. But as said earlier, creativity and innovation do not always follow the set rules.

Determining depth of field There are many on-line sites that will provide depth of field charts for camera and lenses. There are also many apps available in smart phones that can calculate it, while in field. Most DSLRs have a DOF preview button which will give you a preview as you look through the eye piece.

Action controlling depth of field: 1. Increase depth of field Narrow aperture (larger f-number in lens) Move further away from subject Choose lens with a shorter focal length 28 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

2. Decrease depth of field Widen aperture (smaller f-number in lens) Move closer to the subject Choose lens with a longer focal length Hope this is a helpful tutorial for the starters, and remember that good photos are always shot in the field and not created on paper, so pick up your camera and go out and shoot your dream photo now.

If you have any technical query, you may email to techguru.environ@gmail.com The best three questions will be answered in the upcoming ENVIRON issue.

Anindya Sengupta techguru.environ@gmail.com

For subscription of ENVIRON magazine Email us at environmagazine@gmail.com

E A R T H

N E W S

MELTING OF GLACIERS: RED ALERT

Mount Everest is the source of many important rivers which include the mighty Brahmaputra.

According to the report published by The Chinese Academy of Science, Hunan University of Science and Technology, the glaciers of Mt. Everest have shrunk by 28% over the past 40 years. Since 1980, glaciers of the south slope of Nepal has decreased by 26% which is alarming.

The shrinking glaciers have resulted in swelling of glacial lakes and higher river levels downstream.

30 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

Earlier in May, 2015, a group of international researchers had warned that the estimated 5,500 glaciers in the Hindukush - Himalayan region which is a site of many world's tall peaks, including the Mt. Everest, could reduce their volume by 70 to 99% by 2100 with dire consequences.

Source: The Times of India

W I L D L I F E

D I G E S T

ASIA TIGER CONSERVATION MEET TO BE HELD IN NEW DELHI

Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Preservation will be held on 12th April at New Delhi and will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. It will be a threeday conference which will be attended by five tiger ranging countries which include India,

Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Russia. The representatives of those countries will share their good practices and success stories relating to tiger conservation in the meeting. Anti-Poaching measures will be one of the primary focus of the meeting.

NEW SPECIES OF BIRD FOUND An International Ornithology t e a m , c o m p r i s i n g o f Pro f P. Alstorm, Dr. Bresford and Shashank Dalvi have discovered a bird of Zoothera family in Arunachal Pradesh. It i s a Fore st T h r u sh . Af t e r comparing DNA of birds of same family, the team came to a decision that the bird is different from its nearest keen

Plain-backed thrush which is found in China. Its call and character are also different .

The bird has been named after the father of Indian Ornithology, Dr. Salim Ali. Hence, it has been named as “Zootherasalimali�. This is the fourth discovery of a species of bird since India's independence.

WILDLIFE DIGEST l ENVIRON 31

P H O T O

F E A T U R E

TIGERS

OF INDIA

Pix Shubhendu Banerjee Ranthanbhore Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 70-200 mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 100

Pix Biswajit Roy Chowdhury Kharandla WLS Canon 5D II Canon 100-400 mm Lens F 5.6 ISO 400

34 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

Pix Anindya Sengupta Kanha Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 300 mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 200

PHOTO FEATURE l ENVIRON 35

36 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

Left page top Pix Shiladitya Chaudhury Corbett T R Canon 60D Canon 100-400 f5.6 Lens ISO-400 Left page bottom Pix Biswajit Roy Chowdhury Pench Tiger Reserve, MP Canon 7D Canon 70-200 mm Lens + 1.4 TC II F 2.8 ISO 200 Right page Pix Shubhendu Benerjee Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 400 mm DO II Lens F 4 ISO 200

PHOTO FEATURE l ENVIRON 37

Left page bottom Pix Biswajit Roy Chowdhury Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve Canon 5D II Canon 70-200 mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 100 Right page Pix Abdul Kader Kagalwala Bandhavgarh Canon 7D Canon 100-400 5.6mm Lens ISO 400

38 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

PHOTO FEATURE l ENVIRON 39

Left page bottom Pix Anindya Sengupta Kanha Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 135 mm Lens F 2 ISO 200 Right page Pix Shubhendu Banerjee Ranthanbhore Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 70-200mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 250

40 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

PHOTO FEATURE l ENVIRON 41

Left page top Pix Biswajit Roy Chowdhury Kharandla WLS Canon 5D II Canon 70-200 mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 200 Right page above Pix Shiladitya Chaudhury Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Canon 5D II Canon 70-200 Lens F 2.8 ISO-400 Right page bottom Pix Anindya Sengupta Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 300 mm Lens F 2.8 ISO 640

42 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

PHOTO FEATURE l ENVIRON 43

Top Pix Shubhendu Banerjee Karhandla WLS Canon 5D III Canon 70-200mm Lens F 2.8ISO 200

44 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

Bottom Pix Anindya Sengupta Tadoda Tiger Reserve Canon 5D III Canon 300 mm Lens + 1.4 TC III F 2.8 ISO 200

BOOK REVIEW Pugmark Manual Publisher: Environ Publications Rs.225/Reading Pugmark is an art, identifying them correctly is like learning a new language. This initiate by Nature Environment & Wildlife Society& Environ in collaboration with the State Zoo Authority is both interesting and unique. This small and handy guide will help naturalists, tourists, researchers and even ground-level forest staff for identifying foot-prints of different wild mammals.

'PUGMARKS IN PALAMAU' has emerged as a dash of fresh air in the congested so called 'Tiger Conservation syndrome' in India. Mr. SangamLahiry, an out & out 'wild lifer' and a Retired DFO, was honest and also bold enough to bring out the bare truth behind the hurdles of Tiger protection and conser vation. A post-graduate in wildlife management from WII Dehra Doon, Mr. Lahiri's pugmarks are prominent in every pages of his effort.

From the detailed history of the Palamau fort to the scintillating illustrations of 'Begum', the tigress who reigned the Betla Range for years, SangamLahiri is facile and straight-forward.

His chapter on 'Food habits of the Tigers of Betla' is undoubtedly a prospective field guide for upcoming wild life enthusiasts and conservationists.

Be it the misidentified leopard cubs of Old Fort, Betla or the encounter with the elephant calf at Saridih village, Dohar, take the mesmerizing description of the 'Tree House' in Betla, or the spine chilling experience of the confrontations with the extremists, SangamLahiri's narration will surely keep you engrossed and spellbound through the pages.

In today's world of degradation and continuous loss of forests and wildlife, his book promises rich experiences of nature management and real life incidences of man-animal conflicts and its near possible remedies.

We sincerely wish 'PUGMARKS IN PALAMAU', a truly deserving 'field guide', a grand success and also look forward towards similar enthralling experiences in future.

Platinum Press Price; Rs 200/-

BOOK REVIEW l ENVIRON 45

C O V E R

S T O R Y

/

W I L D L I F E

A B R O A D

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

AT MASAI MARA

Resting cheetahs

Female lion relaxing under a shady tree

Text & Pix.: SRIDHAR SIVARAM

“My We reached our camp site after an hour's drive, which was on the bank of the Mara River. I fell in love with the place immediately

first trip to Masai Mara in Kenya was in August 2000 when I was completely overwhelmed by the animal and bird diversity and the natural beauty of the place.

However, I was not fortunate enough to witness the great Wildebeest migration. But I was determined to come back someday to witness it. It took me fifteen years but finally I could make it in the September of 2015 with a group of wildlife enthusiasts led by Sudhir Shivram, one of India's leading wildlife photographers.

We landed in Nairobi early in the morning and immediately took a chartered plane to Mara Serena. As we were approaching the small air strip, we could see thousands of Wildebeest, grazing below. I was keeping my fingers crossed, as some of my friends, who had come here about 15 days back, could not witness the river crossing by the Wildebeest. We boarded our respective jeeps, and as we exited the air strip, we were greeted by a pair of Ostrich and within the next hundred meters by a tree full of vultures. We reached our camp site after an hour's drive, which was on the bank of the Mara River. I fell in love with the place immediately. I was overwhelmed by the chirping of the birds, the sound of the flowing river, the wind blowing through the trees and the tranquility in the air. Post lunch, we left for our first game drive. We were immediately greeted by a herd of giraffes. Our guide got some information of a pride of lions close by. After searching for some time, we spotted a lioness, with a wildebeest kill. We were the first jeep to spot it, and immediately our guide sent a message to the other jeeps of our group. Unlike other parks in India,

Crocodile attack on wildebeest during migration

Masai Mara has very good telecom network with even WiFi available on the jeep. It had been a long day and after some amazing sighting, we came back to our camp.

We got our wake up call at 5.00 A.M. the next morning. It was still dark, and as I was having my coffee in the dining area, one of the camp staff came running and asked me to follow him. Right outside my tent, which was facing the Mara river, a huge crocodile had killed a wildebeest. It was too dark to take photographs, but as I pointed my torch, I could see the gleaming eye of the croc and its mouth wide open holding on to the neck of the wildebeest. I had heard some strange noises in the night, but we were warned not to come outside our tent under any circumstances. This was truly my first wild experience.

In about thirty minutes we all assembled with our cameras and set out for our first full day safari, in search of the migrating herds. We drove for around thirty minutes to a point on the Mara river bank where some wildebeest were sighted. We waited patiently, and could see the gradual increase in the number of wildebeest on the other side of the bank. We also spotted some crocodiles on the river bank, basking in the sun. As the morning progressed, the numbers in the wildebeest herd started to swell continuously.

50 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

They slowly started to move towards the river, but were hesitant to get into the water because of the presence of the crocodiles. Then one wildebeest decided to take the plunge, and as if waiting for that cue, the others followed suit .

A striped hyena with his share

There was a strong current in the flow of the river, and the wildebeest had a tough time fighting the current and swimming across to the other side of the river. Suddenly, one crocodile woke up to the opportunity and started to move towards the swimming wildebeest. The first attack was unsuccessful and the wildebeest managed to escape. Soon two more crocs joined in, and this time it was a coordinated attack. One unlucky wildebeest became prey to the hungry crocodiles, but it was quite awe-inspiring to see how the wildebeest managed his lone struggle for survival for about 25 minutes after getting caught by the crocs. He would try to ward off the approaching crocs with his horns, but it was four powerful jaws against a pair of horns. And ultimately, the reptiles managed to drag him underwater. It is the annual feasting time for the crocodiles and quite a few wildebeest do not live to see the other side of the Mara river, but

thousands of others manage to cross the river safely. The sight of the migration is unbelievable and cannot be expressed in words. To see thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the river together, the chaos, the pandemonium, the near stampede, the croc attacks - is a spectacle to cherish.

Over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during July through October and then back to Serengeti. The migrating flock consists primarily of 1.7 million wildebeest, along with 400,000 Thomson's gazelle, 300,000 zebra and 12,000 eland. Towards the end of the short dry season, around March, the short-grass plains of the southernmost Serengeti begin to dry out and the wildebeest begin their journey, heading towards the western woodlands.

A lazy male

COVER STORY/ WILDLIFE ABROAD l ENVIRON 51

It is believed that the wildebeests' journey is triggered primarily by their response to the weather; they follow the rains and the growth of new grass. By September, when it rains over Serengeti's short-grass plains, filling seasonal water holes and bringing new lease of life, the wildebeest start heading south again. Having seen the great migration up close, it was time for us to search for the other “Big Five”.We were lucky to see a few male lions during our five days trip. We also saw a pride with young cubs. We came across many herds of elephants. They are one of the most intelligent animals in Africa with strong family values. The most secretive and elusive of the “Big Five”, the leopard is also the shrewdest. It is the strongest climber of the large cats and capable of killing prey larger than itself.

The fourth of the “Big Five”is the rhinoceros. It is not so commonly found in Masai Mara but we were lucky to spot a few of them. And lastly, the

52 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

buffalo - they are found in large herds and are known to even attack and kill lions. Apart from the “Big Five”, Masai Mara is also famous for its cheetahs. We were fortunate to see a big family together with a kill.

Apart from the mammals, Masai Mara is also a paradise for birds. Some of the most common birds found are the Vultures, Marabou Storks , Fish Eagle, Ostrich , Secretary Bird, Lilac Breasted Roller, Martial Eagle, Superb Starling, Hornbills, Cranes , just to name a few . More than 500 species of birds are found in Masai Mara.

Every wildlife lover should make an attempt to experience the vibrant wildlife of Africa and the wildebeest migration which is one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world.

About the Author Sridhar Sivaram is a wildlife enthusiast and an amateur wildlife photographer

Tigers

have eyes with round pupils, unlike domestic cats, which have slitted pupils. This is because domestic cats are nocturnal and usually hunt at night, whereas tigers are crepuscular - they hunt primarily in the morning and evening.

Despite not being strongly adapted to the dark, tigers' night vision is about six times better than humans'.

DID YOU KNOW l ENVIRON 53

W I L D L I F E

/

T R A V E L

LEOPARDS OF

SATPURA

Text & Pix.: ANINDYA SENGUPTA

“Satpura

These Highlands were one of the last places to be 'uncovered' by the English Raj's authorities in the early 1860's

Tiger Reserve (STR) is one of India's finest tiger reserves, south of Hoshangabad district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, and gets its name from the Satpura hill ranges of central India. It covers an area of 524 sq km (202 sq mi) and along with the adjoining Bori and Panchmarhi sanctuaries, it is 1,427 sq km (551 sq mi) of unique central Indian highland ecosystem. STR was set up in 1981. These Highlands were one of the last places to be 'uncovered' by the English Raj's authorities in the early 1860's, but also, due to the rapid Teak deforestation at the time, one of the first reserves in the world, Bori Sanctuary, to be formally declared.

Our several visits to STR in the past yielded some unforgettable memories, but 2015, winter photo trip proved to be the best experience of wilderness so far. We, the three musketeers (Bishuda, Shubhendu and myself) literally jumped off from the car as soon as our driver "Ravi" parked the 'Mahindra Scorpio' in front of Madhai booking counter along the mesmerizing Denwa river. Our legs almost froze following the long and tiring 400 km drive straight from Bandhavgarh (BTR), this time with a one-point agenda, "Track & Shoot leopards….ofcourse with a camera".

'WoW"… exclaimed Bishuda from the bank of Denwa as he stood enjoying the morning warmth from the rising winter sun. Before our very eyes, along the other side of mighty Denwa, as a dotted line, lay India's wildest home for Leopards (Pantherapardusfusca). We could also see the beautiful Madhai FRH waiting to welcome us.

When we debarked from the speedboat on the FRH bank, we were greeted by the entire staff of Madhai. No sooner we refreshed ourselves in the cozy rooms, fuming lunch was ready and served in the open restaurant space. I silently looked at the vast expanse of the grassland just

A leopard with watchful eyes

Malabar giant squirrel

outside the FRH gate, which was home to some of the deadliest Indian predators, waiting for our game drives, and crossed my fingers.

Last time, I remember to enter STR from the Churna gate and stay overnight in the Churna FRH, surely one of the finest and most picturesque forest accommodations in the country, only to come to Madhai, the following morning. But this time the choice was Madhai directly as we wanted to utilize most of the time in shooting the spotted beauty. Madhai has three game rounds: 1. Keria round - approximately 14 kms and costs around INR 3000/- including entry, guide & gypsy all for Indian nationals.

2. Lagda round - approximately 20 kms and costs higher around INR 3500/-.

3. Churna round - which is a full day safari (morning & afternoon) including some parts of Keria and afternoon lay over at Churna FRH, one can also enjoy lunch at the stopover point. This round calls for around INR 7000/Being official guests of M.P. Forest Department, we enjoyed uninterrupted privileges to shoot our preferred predator and Mr Umesh Tiwari, the ever smiling accountant at the gate was a real

58 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

sport in arranging the logistics. When we complete our fifth safari from Madhai, we were confused about what was the best experience so far‌.we had already documented twelve individual sloth bears (Melursusursinus) including males, females and cubs by this time and were still waiting for the big cat's entry. Was it the excitement of the rare bear encounters, was it the overwhelming beauty of the full moon nights by the charismatic Denwa or was it the very basic but mouth-watering food platters from the forest staffs blended with purest of affection? It still remained a point of debate while we sipped on our glasses by the makeshift fireplace on the bank of the moonlit river. Thanks to our dear friend Mr. Anil Kumar Nagar, F.D. STR, whose great sense of hospitality is a definition by himself, and who took all the pain to join us in the chilling winter fire-party and soak in the 'Pure Indian ADDA'. The temperature recorded 2 degrees and Bisuda's occasional Tagore recitations from his archive was probably the best thing we could expect in this wilderness.

Life was at its best by then and still two safaris to go on the ultimate day next. I still remember, it was December 12th and we almost froze when our gypsy roared off the gate at 2 pm for the last safari of this tour. Leopard was still a dream in this league and I was confident that our cameras will not be deprived. But as forests always surprise us, a four hour combing

in blinding darkness he slowly rolled up and down the jeep and signaled us ok. We set our g e a r s a n d “ B ro o o m " . . . h e c h a rg e d t h e headlight..... "CLICK"..."CLICK"..... two shots and GHOST disappeared in eternal darkness forever.......

A 2007 ecology study on leopards by WII revealed its very healthy population in STR and BORI WLS of around 9 per 100 sq km. Such a figure in a Tiger reserve which also has a decent population of the striped cats is only possible for its hilly terrains and rocky landscapes. More recent data from Mr Sandesh Maheswari, Range Officer, Madhai, was even more striking. 54 tigers in STR, out of which 7 in Madhai range and around 20-25 leopards,

surely calls for appreciation. When we left Madhai on 13th with Monoj Kumar Patel, the boat driver, the entire Madhai crew was waving from the metaled jetty. Warm hospitality of Yeshwant Suryavanshi, F.G., a smiling Hari Prasad Batti, or the sincere wireless operator, SunilPawar will remain in our memories for ever. Our speed boat cruised through the crock infested Denwa water in great speed to reach the other side in just 7 mins when a happy "RAVI" started his Scorpio for a return trip to catch our Nagpur-Kolkata flight back home. I knew I had to detail him the entire STR episode as a part of his return gift. My watch ticked 9 as the Denwa FRH slowly faded away in the horizon.

Denwa river

operation revealed no sign of the spotted cat. Our confidence was on an all-time low when returning to our base camp... while we got a 'walki-info' that some sambar calls have been recorded at 'Siddh-Baba Dam'. Sun had long gone into hibernation for the day and our jeep silently rolled towards the water point for a last time check. At the bund of the dam, we waited for the calls....frantically trying to silent the thumping sounds of our beating hearts...no calls still. After a never-ending ten minutes, our driver decided to check the other side of the bund inside the waterpoint. We quietly clasped each other in excitement, my stars war ned...'There is something terribly wrong ahead.." Our gypsy roared inside the no-man's land in muddy-rocky terrain...still no calls. Pitch dark silence was the only sign of our existence. We were really not comfortable in this uncanny 'Tigerland'. After another shivering ten minutes, we decided to reverse, and the moment our driver turned the wheels and reversed the car in a full circle, he froze in fright. His murmur in shivering tone....."SAAB WO SAMNE BAITHE HAI...." was enough for us to choke. In the light of the starry night we saw a huge patch of darkness sitting on the bund, completely blocking our way back. We knew that it was a Leopard...and not a small one....he was just above us and so close that one leap, and we are frames for ever. In minutes we regained our senses and managed to signal our driver to re-position the jeep, so that the head light can reach him. As quietly as possible and in blinding darkness he slowly rolled up and down the jeep and signaled us ok. We set our gears and

"Brooom"... he charged the headlight.....

"CLICK"..."CLICK"..... two shots and GHOST disappeared in eternal darkness forever.......

Alexzandrine panakeet

WILDLIFE/TRAVEL l ENVIRON 59

A 2007 ecology study on leopards by WII revealed its very healthy population in STR and BORI WLS of around 9 per 100 sq km. Such a figure in a Tiger reserve which also has a decent population of the striped cats is only possible for its hilly terrains and rocky landscapes. More recent data from Mr Sandesh Maheswari, Range Officer, Madhai, was even more striking. 54 tigers in STR, out of which 7 in Madhai range and around 20-25 leopards, surely calls for appreciation.

When we left Madhai on 13th with Monoj Kumar Patel, the boat driver, the entire Madhai crew was

waving from the metaled jetty. Warm hospitality of YeshwantSuryavanshi, F.G., a smiling Hari Prasad Batti, or the sincere wireless operator, SunilPawar will remain in our memories for ever.

Our speed boat cruised through the crock infested Denwa water in great speed to reach the other side in just 7 mins when a happy "RAVI" started his Scorpio for a return trip to catch our Nagpur-Kolkata flight back home. I knew I had to detail him the entire STR episode as a part of his return gift. My watch ticked 9 as the Denwa FRH slowly faded away in the horizon.

FACT FILE: Reaching Madhai By train: One can reach Sarangpurghat entry point from nearest rail stations - Hoshangabad (70km) | Pipariya (40km) |Itarsi (65km) |Sohagpur (17km) By road: Satpura is just 19 kms from a prominent state highway and 70 kms away from the national highway 12.

By air: Madhai is 176 kms south east of Bhopal, the closest airport to Satpura.

Stay options There are several options including star accommodations and budget hotels.

Denwa Backwater Escape - (http://www.denwabackwaterescape.com) Forsyth's Lodge - (https://www.forsythlodge.com) Reni Pani Jungle Lodge- (http://www.renipanijunglelodge.com) Are some of the most prominent options. However stay at Madhai forest rest house on the other side of the river will surely be aonce-in-a-lifetime experience. At FRH there are five DBR @ INR 1000/- and two Dlx DBR @ INR 1800/- (for Indian nationals). For booking of FRH one has to write to: Park range officer | Kamti | Forest Colony | Sohagpur - 461771 | Dist: Hoshangabad Ph: 07574254395 | 09424792101 (DFO - STR Div.). | email: dirsatpuranp@mpforest.org.

Points to remember - There is no option of hot water in winter and AC in summer as the entire project is run on solar power.

Places for probable wildlife sightings There are several vantage points for wildlife sightings while in gypsy safari: In Keria round: Jamunjhorapani | Aampani | Pepalpani | Kadimati | Tong-e patthatetc, but the best point remains to be Sidh baba dam.

In Lagda round: Kundinala | sagun patch | Lagda view point.

In Churna whole day round: The entire stretch from Madhai to Churna is a paradise for wildlife watchers.

Online booking of safaries https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Search.aspx For other enquiries https://www.mponline.gov.in/portal/

60 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

KIDS FOR NATURE

Harshvardhan Mohan Ghadge 5th Std. DAV Public School New Panvel New Mumbai

I

like wildlife. I sketch wild animals as I like and as it comes to my mind. I am passionate about tigers, but I like other wild cats too. I have developed sketching wildlife as a hobby since I was a child and acquired this art by my own. My dream is to visit wildlife sanctuaries and see tigers in real life. I love tigers.

KIDS FOR NATURE l ENVIRON 61

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR der of the magazine. The iodicity. I am a regular rea per the g inin nta mai for m idea, that is, why can't you Thank to Environ tea g. I want to suggest a new din rea th wor bt, dou readership and also no articles are h issue which will enhance the eac in icle art ic ntif scie introduce at least one amic. make the magazine more dyn an Kh ir Dr. Jahang Noida Hariyana

We value your suggestion. Environ is more a popular magazine than a scientific journal.

Howerver, we will try to carry atleast one scientific article in each issue, infuture. In this context may I state that many of the issuse already carry some technical articles.

ographs for your know the procedure of submitting phot I would request you to kindly let me Photo-Feature Section.

SamratSengupta Silguri West Bengal

Please refer to our website and upload your photographs in low resolution on oure.mail address. After judging the quality, our Principal Photographer will decide.

seen this r this year. But I have not n from Kolkata Book Fai from iro out Env es of com ies e cop zin e ga som a that such a ma I have collected ide no had I , job, ver of e reo sak Mo ore. arkhand and for wonderful magazine bef r. I live in Kodarma in Jh d. vou ea han end ark Jh this in for re whe you the magazine any eastern India. I thank ces. I have never found pla er oth and i nch Ra I often go to regularly?

How to get the magazine AdityaSaxena Kodarma Jharkhand

We are trying to distribute the magazine in all states of the country. Unfortunately in some places we could not find a good distributor. It would be really helpful to us, if you can find one.

But you can get the magazine regularly by subscribing it. You will get a form in all of our issues and also it is available in our website.

62 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016

E D I T O R ’ S C H O I C E

LIFE UNDER WATER Photographer: Sanjib Banerjee Photographed at: Marine Fishes in Andaman

How to enter

Email your photo to environmagazine@gmail.com with “editor’s choice” as subject.

Prize

Winner will get one year’s subscription of Magazine and a News Badge

64 ENVIRON l APR - JUN l 2016