Ranthambhor 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
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.
Ranthambhor National Park, Rajasthan Wildlife
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RAJASTHAN
INDIA TOURISM
Rajasthan
Wildlife
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