Exploring the wild is not just about seeking thrills or capturing breathtaking photos but also about fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse and intricate world that surrounds us
Every sighting or sound we encounter gives us an opportunity to learn, ponder and appreciate the beauty of nature. Representative photo: iStock. We heard a screeching call as we waited patiently in the safari jeep. “That’s the spotted deer’s alarm call,” alerted our driver. Our safari guide, Dharma, confirmed that a big cat was nearby, which excited us incredibly. We had been to numerous tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks but had only spotted pug marks and droppings.
We waited for a while, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big cat, but it was an unnerving experience as we were on an open jeep.
We carefully scanned the woods for any movement or noise. The forest was still except for the occasional crackling of dry leaves and twigs. The tall trees rustled softly in the wind, and the many bushes with tall grass provided an ideal hiding spot for any big cat. Each time we heard the spotted deer’s screeching call, we turned around swiftly, searching for a tiger or a leopard, but to no avail.
Also read: About 400 proposed infrastructure projects will destroy tiger corridors: report
After around half an hour, we heard another safari vehicle approaching. The drivers and guides exchanged messages in Kannada on the best places to spot elephants, jungle cats, crested serpent eagles and other wildlife, and then they left. Later, we also left the place.
During our return journey, we saw many birds, like the short-toed snake eagle and hoopoe, but it did not excite us as much as spotting the big cat would have.
Dharma tried to revive our interest by sharing an exciting story about an ant nest we saw on a tree. It belonged to crematogaster ants and had a unique relationship with the Rufous Woodpecker, especially when the latter was nesting. Although it sounded cool, all we could think of was the screeching call of the spotted deer and the close call with the tiger or leopard. We were so close to spotting one, yet we couldn’t.
Most of us must have been in this situation. However, it’s important to remember that spotting any species in the wild is an experience that should have an interesting story to tell.
For me, it all started with Bhadra Tiger Reserve five years ago, where our guide showed us the fresh pug marks of a tiger. Two years later, I saw another pug mark in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, but it was disbanded and not as intact as the one in Bhadra. Later, in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, we experienced this alarm call of the spotted deer. In all these instances, the habitat looked similar, with dense bushes, tall grasses and a few tall trees with canopy covers scattered over the landscape.
Last year, when we were in Kabini, where the tiger density is higher than any place in the Western Ghats (according to the 2018 tiger survey), we were again tempted to spot these big cats, along with their four adorable cubs.
Our safari guides knew the location and we stopped our vehicle in one place and waited for a long time. It was raining, and the place looked dense with tropical evergreen trees. The guide said that the tigers and the cubs might cross the road anytime, but as usual, we saw nothing.
As you can read from my experiences, it’s not just about spotting the animal. It’s about evoking curiosity, thinking more profoundly and asking questions. Some of the questions that came to my mind are:
And many more...
Exploring the wild is an exhilarating experience that can evoke curiosity and spark questions about the fascinating creatures that inhabit it. When we venture into the wilderness, we are not just looking to spot a particular animal. We also seek to understand their behaviour and unique relationship with their surroundings.
During my numerous visits to various tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, I have encountered several thrilling moments that have made me ponder the intricacies of the animal kingdom. These experiences have taught me to pay attention to the tiny details that shape their behaviour and the way they interact with the ecosystem.
Read more: Tiger Census 2022: India’s tiger population increased by 200 in last four years
Every sighting, or even the mere sound of a screeching alarm call, evokes an indescribable thrill and excitement that keeps me engaged and invested in the journey. It is not just about capturing a photo of the creature but understanding the nuances of their behaviour that make these experiences truly magical. That being said, I lost interest in using cameras on my recent trips.
The wilderness is a place that instils a sense of awe, and it is not just about spotting the big cats but also about observing the fascinating creatures surrounding them. It is about understanding the unique relationship between prey and predator and their role in maintaining the ecosystem’s delicate balance.
In conclusion, exploring the wild is not just about seeking thrills or capturing breathtaking photos. It is also about fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse and intricate world that surrounds us.
Every sighting or sound we encounter gives us an opportunity to learn, ponder and appreciate the beauty of nature. So, the next time you embark on an adventure in the wilderness, remember to keep your senses sharp and embrace the little things that make it truly extraordinary.
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
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