Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, with its lush green forests, is a perfect symbol of nature’s majestic beauty. However, it is the chance to catch even a fleeting glimpse of India’s most famed of creatures – the Royal Bengal Tiger – that attracts tourists in their droves. Home to a majority of the world’s tigers, it is India’s duty to act as their effective guardians, shielding these majestic beasts from poachers and smugglers.
The government of Rajasthan has brought in efficient measures to ensure the safety of tigers, and retain the national park’s unique and captivating charm.The flourishing of the tiger population is testament to their efforts. The numbers of tigers over the past three years and been increasing by leaps and bounds. The 2014 census of tigers in Ranthambhore showed that their number had more than doubled in only two years, shooting up from 25 to 62. But what made it a success?
[via Ranthambore National Park]
In 2003 and 2004, when a shocking census confirmed the existence of only 26 tigers in Ranthambhore, the government leapt into action. Constructing a committed plan with high powered committees, they sought to save the tiger from extinction in their state. The use of awareness campaigns to help protect the tigers undoubtedly played a crucial role in helping their numbers soar. Campaigns like ‘Save the Tiger’ and numerous documentaries appealed to the very human feelings of sympathy, in an attempt to boost the local involvement in the conservation programme.
The profound dedication of wildlife conservationists such as Fateh Singh Rathore, known for his contribution in Indian Wildlife, proved to be a practical solution to curb the poaching incidents, decimating the tiger population. Tiger Watch, a brainchild of Rathore, has been instrumental in stopping over 70 poachers around Ranthambore. The majority of these poachers are from the Moghia tribe, a group famed for their hunting skills. Through redirecting the individuals into handicrafts and forest guarding, Tiger Watch was able to dramatically reduce poaching activity. This programme was driven by the Dhonk organisation. The benefits of this programme are two-fold. Not only will it protect tigers, it also helps to provide a livelihood for the Moghia tribe, creating an entrepreneurial tradition that will stand the test of time.
“We have over 30 dedicated tribeswomen involved with us to learn the skills of handicraft production. Now that they have a reliable job, they do not depend on forest wood for a living” – Divya Khandal, Manager of Dhonk.
The forest is home to the oldest tigress alive in the wild, T-16, commonly known as Machli. Machli is famous as the star of countless documentaries made in Ranthambore. Known as one of the few tigers to have bested a crocodile in combat, Machli remains a firm favourite of tiger-lovers. Machli surveys the forest from Ranthambore Palace, situated in the heart of the sanctuary, overlooking the lakes that have earned her the title ‘Queen of the Lakes’.
Tigers are not the only creatures in Ranthabore National Park. The sanctuary home to numerous animals, including leopards, wild boars, and various reptiles. The park is also the proud home of the largest banyan trees in India.The forest is briefly closed from July to September, and reopens for safaris which run in mornings and evenings. “Each year sees an increase of 20-25 per cent in the number of tourist visiting the place,” said Tanmay from TourMyIndia.
With excellent opportunities for birdwatchers to find exclusive birds, they are recommended to grab their binoculars during their visit. Ranthambore is only a three-hour drive from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. With the enduring summer, there could be no better time to spot a tiger ambling, or basking majestically under the heat of the sun.
