Wild Life

The Indian forests teem with varied species of wildlife. Most forests are protected national parks, providing sanctuary to several species or endangered species of animals and in some cases to migratory birds.

All across the country are wildlife sanctuaries whose areas extend over several thousands

Of square kilometers, where wildlife can be observed in its natural surroundings. Each sanctuary supports several species of wildlife, but is usually well known for one particular species. In some cases, these are rare or even endangered species.

Thus, the Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only surviving home of the Asiatic lion, Manas and Kaziranga in Assam have a significant population of one horned rhinos, Periyar in Kerala is best known for wild elephant viewing. Thamin deer at Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, Hangul in Kashmir, Stag at Dachigam, Srinagar, and blackbuck at Velavadhar in Gujarat are the only homes of these species.

Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, identified major areas inhabited by tigers. These became areas protected by the project, enabling a significant increase of the tiger population. Bandhavgarh and Kanha sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh; Sariska and Ranthambore in Rajasthan and Corbett Park and Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh and Sunderbans in West Bengal are some of the country’s best known tiger reserves. Other species at these places include panthers, and several species of deer and antelope, the commonest of which are axis deer and blue bull.

Bharatpur, a five-hour drive from Delhi, has the largest bird sanctuary in Asia. Waterbirds that migrate from other parts of the country include herons, ibis pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, egrets and open billed storks. Various species of ducks and geese migrate from places in Russia. These include Brahminy ducks and the endangered Siberian crane. Stretched over 29 sq km of swamps and marshes, Bharatpur has causeways which can be negotiated on foot or bicycle. The best time for a visit is from October to March when the weather is relatively pleasant and when the sanctuary teems with birdlife. July-August is the breeding season for the resident species. October to March is the most pleasant time to visit any sanctuary in the country, with the exception of Dachigam in Kashmir which is best visited during summer. However, the chances of spotting wildlife are better from March to June when the weather is hot, and the sun dries the dense foliage which otherwise provides effective cover for the animals.

All wildlife sanctuaries are accessible by car and have accommodation within or near them. Many have specific visiting hours and provide forest rangers with each party of visitors. The advantage is that with their intimate knowledge of the forest and the habits of each animal, little time is wasted getting to a spot where animals are most likely to be seen.

Rules and regulations for wildlife sanctuaries are no more than those dictated by common sense: wear clothes that blend rather than stand out in the forest; perfumes and cigarettes should be avoided for animals have an extremely keen sense of smell. Potentially dangerous animals should not be approached on foot.

For the serious photographer, many sanctuaries have hides near frequently used water holes. Lenses having a focal length of less than 300 mm have little use, 600-1,200 mm lenses being most useful. High speed (at least 400 ASA) film comes in handy when the sanctuary has dense foliage.