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Ranthambhore Natioanal
Park /
Tiger Reserve in the Rajasthan state of India, comprises distinct areas
with varied conservation history and virtually separated geographically
with mere narrow corridors linking them to the core, Ranthambhore National
Park. These are mainly, the Ranthambhore National Park, Keladevi Sanctuary
and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary.
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.
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.
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