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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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. |
