Ranthambore National Park
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.
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 RanthambhorFort (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 riversthat 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.
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.
Save
Tiger Like oil lamps flickering in the wind, the world's tiger population
is unhurriedly being snuffed out. Several books and literaturehave 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. 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 cant 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. These pictures
depict the world around the tiger and are expected to arouse passion for the tiger.
The tiger is waging a lonely battle for survival you must stand for restoring
the eco-balance.