The Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger sightings summary for the 2017-2018 season, published by Wild Earth Safari, provides an in-depth account of the wildlife experiences during the season, particularly focusing on tiger sightings.
Here’s a summary of the key events:
-
Kankati Jr’s Cubs:
– The season started with anticipation surrounding the three young cubs of Kankati Jr in the Magdhi Zone. These cubs, only about seven months old in October 2017, became the star attraction.
– On the author’s first safari of the season, he encountered the cubs playing in the rain at a waterhole. The sight of them playfighting in the rain brought immense joy to wildlife enthusiasts.
– Sadly, Kankati Jr died due to a territorial fight, which shocked many. However, the cubs were later seen being cared for by T-37 (the father of the cubs), which was an unexpected occurrence since male tigers are not typically known for looking after cubs.
-
Male Tigers Caring for Cubs:
– The news of T-37 feeding the cubs was a significant moment, challenging the common belief that male tigers do not look after their offspring. This was a unique instance, as such behavior was previously observed in Ranthambhore, but it was rare.
-
Relocation of Cubs:
– As the cubs grew older, the forest department decided to relocate them to an enlarged enclosure where they could be safely nurtured. By the time of the report, the cubs were around 18 months old, and the department planned to find a home for them in another sanctuary.
-
Other Tiger Sightings:
– The Mahaman Tigress and her four cubs were frequently seen in Magdhi and Khitauli zones. Other tigers like Solo (T-42) and Dotty (T-17) were also spotted, though they were solitary.
– Sukhi female and her two cubs were often sighted, especially during winter.
– Rajbehra Tigress and her cubs had a notable presence in the season but eventually lost her territory due to a territorial fight. Her passing marked the end of an era for Bandhavgarh.
-
Tigers in the Chakradhara Area:
– The Chakradhara area, a historical site for tiger sightings, showed signs of revival with the appearance of a Tigress and her three cubs. The forest department hoped this would bring back the area’s former glory as a tiger hotspot.
-
Other Wildlife and Tiger Families:
– Khitauli zone, known for its diverse fauna, saw frequent sightings of Sloth Bears, Leopards, and Blue Bulls. Additionally, Panna Lal (the dominant male), Tara, and Darha Tigress were spotted here. Mamu and Bheem were also prominent figures, particularly in the summer months.
– Bhagoda, another male tiger, appeared towards the end of the season in the Khitauli area.
-
Bandhavgarh’s 50th Anniversary:
– In March 2018, Bandhavgarh celebrated its 50th anniversary as a national park with a grand celebration. The event included retired and current officials and forest guards, and Sharad Vats was honored to be part of the occasion. The event also featured a short film celebrating the park’s legacy.
-
Tigress Translocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve:
– One of the daughters of a resident tigress was relocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Orissa. This move was seen as a positive effort to repopulate the area, which had lost several tigers in the past.
Overall, the 2017-2018 season in Bandhavgarh was marked by both joyful and heartbreaking moments, with the Tiger sightings continuing to be a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. The park’s ongoing conservation efforts were also underscored by the positive steps taken to protect the cubs and the celebration of Bandhavgarh’s milestone anniversary.
