Earlier in the year we sent Jerrine, one of our helpdesk experts, to India to soak up some of the sights, sounds and smells that this vast country has to offer. Here she recalls more about her Tiger spotting experiences and how tourism is aiding the conservation of this iconic creature.
The Tiger is undoubtedly one of India's most famous assets. We grow up reading stories of Tigger and collect stuffed versions of them at the end of the bed, so whilst the mention of a tiger may conjure up fond memories for most, few are aware of its plight or how numbers have drastically diminished over the last century.
At the turn of the 19th century the first ever Tiger census was taken for India and it was estimated that over 40,000 existed. In 1972 another census was taken and the number had plummeted to just 1872, a shockingly low figure. The Tiger has been heavily poached for its fur and medicinal qualities and the countries booming urbanisation has threatened the Tigers' habitat. Anti-poaching laws have been in place since the early seventies but despite this the population, last recorded in February this year, has fallen further to little over 1400 left in India today.
In a country with the worlds second largest population there are few refuges left for the Tiger. However there is hope still and efforts are being made to ensure their survival from all corners of the world. I was sent to
Ranthambore, one of the flagship reserves under Project Tiger, which was one of the pioneer conservation projects dedicated to the survival of these creatures. Ranthambore, one of the largest and most famous national parks in India is located in the classic 'golden triangle' route in Northern India. With ruined fortresses, picturesque lakes and plenty of other wildlife to be seen it is arguably one of the most scenic parks and also one of your best chances to spot these majestic beasts in the wild.
I visited Ranthambore in April this year. I was aware that heavy poaching had left the chances of a Tiger sighting small so I was happy to sit back and enjoy the many other wildlife to be seen. No sooner are you through the gates than you are bombarded with gangs of playful Langur monkeys, happy to bound around the vehicles and non perplexed by our presence.
Travelling deeper into the reserve and we spotted Sambur deer, wild boar, dozens of various birds and even a baby crocodile hiding from the sun in a pond! Our first drive into the park was sensational and seeing this magical environment in the light of the setting sun more than made up for the tiger no-show.
The next morning we woke up bright and early for our final game drive. After some time exploring the reserve and looking for recent evidence of tiger presence, a footprint here, faeces there, we were rewarded with a sighting! We drove into a clearing and there she was! A beautiful tiger lying half-submerged in a shallow pool, guarding a fresh Samba kill just metres away. Our guide, a keen wildlife enthusiast and conservationist himself, couldn’t emphasize enough how lucky we were, especially when a couple of frisky tiger cubs emerged from under a bush!
I read a disturbing article earlier on today detailing how a female cub was found dead (due to unknown circumstances) at the beginning of this month in Ranthambore, her two cubs have been missing ever since.
Although hopeful that this is not the same peaceful family that I saw it serves as a bitter reminder of how fragile the population still is and how every effort must be made to conserve this species if we are to ensure their survival. Although over the past 20 years the population has steadily fallen to only 26 tigers in Ranthambore, earlier this year more than 14 tiger cubs were recorded, an encouraging amount which shows that conservation efforts have been rewarded.
India has 23 tiger reserves in total, each as varied as the next. By visiting these reserves you can help to strengthen the local economy and show that a live tiger can be more valuable to the community than any skin or body part could ever be. By choosing a safari with an operator dedicated to the conservation of the tiger you are doing your bit to contribute to their survival.
Jerrine travelled with Exodus on their '
Northern India Holiday'. However for those wildlife enthusiasts out there Exodus have a longer safari, '
Land of the Tiger', that visits three different tiger reserves. True tiger country, these parks are ideal for viewing both predator and prey. Tigers are regularly spotted in each, and by visiting all three your chances of seeing this magnificent beast are greatly increased.
Take a look at our great range of India holidays, tiger safaris and other wildlife experiences here
Need help finding a great value holiday? Contact our helpdesk at rosy@responsibletravel.com
Words by Jerrine Barnett,
responsibletravel.com
