Category: Wildlife

Assam CM Sarma posts image of rare golden tiger sighted in Kaziranga National Park

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma posted a picture of a rare golden tiger on social media platform X on Thursday. This rare cat was spotted by the chief minister in the state’s Kaziranga National Park, in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts.

In the post, the chief minister said, “Majestic Beauty! A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park.” He also added the hashtag National Tourism Day which is celebrated on January 25 every year. The day is celebrated to educate people about the importance of tourism. It was established by the Indian government to raise awareness regarding the importance of tourism for India’s economy.

Majestic Beauty!

A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park.#NationalTourismDay pic.twitter.com/UeecZS28FK

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 25, 2024

A video of the rare golden tiger was also shared on the official handle of Assam CM. The post read, “Assam’s wildlife never ceases to amaze! A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park, taking a stroll. This sighting adds to the list of diverse faunal creatures found in Assam’s landscape.”

Assam’s wildlife never ceases to amaze!

A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park taking a stroll. This sighting adds to the list of diverse faunal creatures found in Assam’s landscape.@kaziranga_ #NationalTourismDay pic.twitter.com/JY1VXvUVZO

— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) January 25, 2024

However, researchers had expressed concerns over the presence of this rare species of cat. These species are born with a genetic mutation in which the absence of either ‘agouti genes’ or ‘tabby genes’ leads to colour variation in tigers. 

Mutation, which is the reason for tigers being born with any other colour is caused by inbreeding. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Namibian cheetah Shaurya dies at Kuno National Park — tenth death so far

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tragedy struck again at MP’s Kuno National Park as Shaurya, a Namibian cheetah brought to India as part of the ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project, died on Tuesday, January 16. This is the tenth death in the cheetah population at the park since March 2023.

The additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) and director of Lion Project issued a statement revealing that Shaurya’s demise occurred around 3.17 pm.

The troubling incident unfolded earlier in the day when the tracking team observed signs of distress in the cheetah, characterised by “incoordination and staggering gait.” In response, Shaurya was tranquillised for examination.

Also read: Watch | Namibian cheetah Aasha delivers three cubs at Kuno National Park

However, complications arose during the revival process, and despite efforts, the cheetah failed to respond to CPR. The exact cause of death remains unknown and will only be determined following a post-mortem examination.

The Cheetah Reintroduction Project, a part of the government’s initiative to revive the population of the fastest land animals in India, involved the translocation of eight Namibian cheetahs — five females and three males — to Kuno National Park in September 2022.

Subsequently, in February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs were brought to the national park from South Africa.

The death toll, however, has been alarming, with seven adult cheetahs and three cubs succumbing to various factors since March 2023.

The situation prompted the Supreme Court to intervene in May 2023, expressing concern over the deaths of these magnificent cats. In response to the court’s directive, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, along with the National Tiger Conservation Authority, assured that while the deaths were troubling, they were not “unduly alarming.”

The authorities stated that the surviving cheetahs were being captured and subjected to medical examinations as a precautionary measure.

Also read: Ninth cheetah ‘Dhatri’ dies at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

North Dakota coal miners unearth thousands of years old 7-foot mammoth tusk | View images

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The first person to spot it was a shovel operator working the overnight shift, eyeing a glint of white as he scooped up a giant mound of dirt and dropped it into a dump truck. Later, after the truck driver dumped the load, a dozer driver was ready to flatten the dirt but stopped for a closer look when he, too, spotted that bit of white.

Only then did the miners realise they had unearthed something special: a 7-foot-long mammoth tusk that had been buried for thousands of years. The miners unearthed the tusk from an old streambed, about 40 feet (12.1 meters) deep, at the Freedom Mine near Beulah, North Dakota, US. The 45,000-acre (18,210-hectare) surface mine produces up to 16 million tons (14.5 million metric tons) of lignite coal per year.

“We were very fortunate, lucky to find what we found,” said David Straley, an executive of North American Coal, which owns the mine.

After spotting the tusk, the crews stopped digging in the area and called in experts, who estimated it to be 10,000 to 100,000 years old.

Jeff Person, a palaeontologist with the North Dakota Geologic Survey, was among those to respond. He expressed surprise that the mammoth tusk hadn’t suffered more damage, considering the massive equipment used at the site.

“Miraculously, it came out pretty much unscathed,” Person said.

A subsequent dig at the discovery site found more bones. A person described it as a “trickle of finds,” totalling more than 20 bones, including a shoulder blade, ribs, a tooth and parts of hips, but it’s likely to be the most complete mammoth found in North Dakota, where it’s much more common to dig up an isolated mammoth bone, tooth or piece of a tusk.

“It’s not a lot of bones compared to how many are in the skeleton, but it’s enough that we know that this is all associated, and it’s a lot more than we’ve ever found of one animal together, so that’s given us some significance,” Person said.

Mammoths once roamed across parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Specimens have been found throughout the United States and Canada, said Paul Ullmann, a University of North Dakota vertebrate palaeontologist.

The mine’s discovery is fairly rare in North Dakota and the region, as many remains of animals alive during the last Ice Age were destroyed by glaciations and movements of ice sheets, Ullmann said.

Other areas have yielded more mammoth remains, such as bonebeds of skeletons in Texas and South Dakota. People even have found frozen carcasses in the permafrost of Canada and Siberia, he said.

Mammoths went extinct about 10,000 years ago in what is now North Dakota, according to the Geologic Survey. They were larger than elephants today and were covered in thick wool. Cave paintings dating back 13,000 years depict mammoths.

Ullmann calls mammoths “media superstars almost as much as dinosaurs,” citing the ”Ice Age” film franchise.

This ivory tusk, weighing more than 50 pounds (22.6 kilograms), is considered fragile. It has been wrapped in plastic as the palaeontologists try to control how fast it dehydrates. Too quickly, and the bone could break apart and be destroyed, Person said.

Other bones also have been wrapped in plastic and placed in drawers. The bones will remain in plastic for at least several months until the scientists can figure out how to get the water out safely. The palaeontologists will identify the mammoth species later, Person said.

The mining company plans to donate the bones to the state for educational purposes.

“Our goal is to give it to the kids,” Straley said.

North Dakota has a landscape primed for bones and fossils, including dinosaurs. Perhaps the best-known fossil from the state is that of Dakota, a mummified duckbilled dinosaur with fossilised skin, Ullmann said.

The state’s rich fossil record is largely due to the landscape’s “low-elevation, lush, ecologically productive environments in the past,” Ullmann said.

North Dakota’s location adjacent to the Rocky Mountains puts it in the path of eroding sediments and rivers, which have buried animal remains for 80 million years or more, he said.

“It’s been a perfect scenario that we have productive environments with a lot of life, but we also had the perfect scenario, geologically, to bury the remains,” Ullmann said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bandhavgarh with Samode Safari — a breathtaking journey from jungle rhythms to tribal traditions

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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About four hours’ drive from Jabalpur along the winding roads through Madhya Pradesh’s remote landscapes led me to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. On this seemingly long journey, I traversed a picturesque panorama of expansive rice and wheat paddies, as well as fields teeming with masoor, chana, and the green pods of kutki.

Herders, with their weathered faces and seasoned hands, guided their precious cattle towards the verdant grazing grounds. And amidst patches of golden flower fields, a silent ballet unfolded where the camaraderie of ramdana and mustard seeds (sarson) flourished harmoniously.

I arrived at Samode Safari Lodge, a 22-acre luxury resort in the Umariya district, at the stroke of noon after descending a quiet trail flanked by Sal, Jamun, Awala, and Mahua trees. In this verdant oasis, a dozen villas radiate rustic elegance, encircling the main lodge like a string of pearls, and onto their private verandah, a panorama of natural beauty whispers secrets of the wild.

Once the exclusive game reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh, underwent a significant transformation after independence. In 1965, this area was officially declared a national park, forever etching its name in the hearts of nature enthusiasts.

While the National Park derives its name from the 2000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort, shrouded in the enigmatic veil of time, within the depths of these dense forests, it is the regal tigers that truly command the spotlight.

Rawal Yadavendra Singh, a royal descendant and the co-owner of Samode Hotels tells me; “The Indian aristocracy had gained a well-deserved reputation for their opulent hunting escapades that often served the dual purpose of sport and social prestige, unwittingly placing the species they pursued in peril.”

However, a profound shift in perspective took hold as “we came to recognise the declining wildlife populations and the imminent risk of losing these magnificent creatures,” says he.

This transformation wasn’t solely a result of a change of heart but also stemmed from a growing affection for the forests and their habitats. The Samode family has consistently prioritised the preservation of their inherited legacy, which includes culture, natural heritage, and progress for their people.

“While my brother and I have made efforts to safeguard our heritage and culture in Rajasthan, we felt compelled to make a positive impact in the Central Indian jungles that held a special place in our hearts,” adds Singh.

The following day, as the sun began to cast a golden glow over the savannah, the engines roared to life, and we set off on a thrilling game drive in a customised 4×4 off-road Samode safari jeep into the untamed wilderness of Bandhavgarh. The forest is divided into three zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. We covered each zone on separate days, where the rustling foliage and dancing rays of sunlight conspired to weave an ambience brimming with anticipation.

Tala was the first zone we ventured into, where we first drove uphill to the base of the Bandhavgarh Fort to catch a glimpse of the Sheshshaiya statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-hooded serpent Sheshnaag. The fort, spanning an impressive ten floors, holds within its walls a collection of reclining statues depicting various Vishnu avatars. Time has taken its toll on the fort, which now remains off-limits to visitors, except for Janmashtami, when the government makes an exception and allows devotees to ascend the hill to pay their respects at the Krishna temple.

For nearly three hours, we traversed rugged terrains, guided by Anshuman Shah, GM of Samode Safari Lodge and an expert ranger who shared his wealth of knowledge about the wildlife that calls this place home. The Egyptian vulture soared high above, a majestic silhouette against the setting sun. The yellow-crowned woodpecker, with its vibrant plumage, pecks away at the trees, creating a symphony of rhythmic beats. We were predominantly surrounded by the Sal forest, adorning the valleys and lower slopes. However, as we ascended further, the landscape became a blend of Dhobin,

Saja, Salai, and countless other trees. The skies were painted with a kaleidoscope of colours, different types of butterflies fluttered delicately, and reptiles, slithering on the ground, added mystery to the tapestry of life. Stretching as far as the eye can see, wide valleys, carved by meandering streams, boast long, linear grasslands. In this dramatic symphony of nature, melodious calls of the painted Francolin, the resplendent Junglefowl, and the Indian Peafowl further heighten your senses. The whistling duck and the Turnicidae serenade you with their enchanting tunes, while the Barred Buttonquail leaves you in awe of its intricate beauty. But the avian wonders do not end there.

Amidst this spectacle, Anshuman, my vigilant guide, ever watchful, scans the path for any trace of tiger paw marks, yearning for a fleeting encounter with the elusive predator. Most animals, especially tigers, are creatures of habit. They have a regular patrolling pattern and are partial to their favourite haunts. Samode Safari keeps track of these movements by checking the spoor of the tigers and listening to the alarm calls of animals, substantially increasing the chances of spotting. We encountered Gaur and barking deer, among a plethora of other fascinating creatures in Tala zone.

However, it was on the third day, during our third safari at Magadhi, that we were blessed with a crystal-clear sighting of the majestic 8th-generation tigress, Dotty.

Bandhavgarh is a haven not only for the mighty tiger, but also for panthers, sloth bears, wolves, leopard, chital, sambhar, hyenas, and wild dogs.

As twilight descends, the collared Scops Owl emerges, its haunting hoot echoing through the night. And amidst the foliage, the Racket-tailed Drongo, with its sleek ebony feathers, commands attention with its swift and agile flight. Even at the Samode Safari Lodge, one can often catch a glimpse of this mischievous Drongo, expertly imitating its avian companions.

The in-house spa offers a marvellous refuge to alleviate any post-safari fatigue. I was pampered by Vanka, my skilled therapist, who treated me to a 60-minute Aromatherapy session with the invigorating essence of Eucalyptus oil. The spa started with a cup of honey lemon tea served with a cinnamon stick and conclude with a chamomile tea with a handful of nuts on the side.

For those who’d prefer to skip the spa, Samode offers a pleasant alternative: a footbath brimming with steaming water and fragrant rose petals, awaiting you upon your return from the rousing game drive.

Bandhavgarh, however, transcends the limitations of being just another wildlife sanctuary. The forest region is surrounded by quaint villages, where the Gond tribe, consisting of 108 families, and the Baiga tribe, with only 2 families, have made their homes.

My tryst with these tribes took place in the village of Mardari, where most houses are painted in blue, and the courtyards are decked with stacks of hay, homegrown maize, and dried Mahua flowers. A picturesque sight that truly captures the essence of rural life. The women of the household take charge of their kitchens early at 9 in the morning. On a trusty mud stove (also known as a chulha), they ignite a fiery feast by skilfully kindling wooden sticks. Both tribes share a common love for spices and pulses. However, it’s the subtle nuances that set their cooking apart.

The Baiga tribe, for instance, opts for ground spices to elevate their dishes to new heights. On the other hand, the Gond tribe, prefer to unleash the full potential of whole spices in their gastronomic creations. With their mud stoves ablaze and spices at the ready, they transform humble ingredients into mouth watering meals. Baiga and Gond cuisine is a medley of hearty grains like Kodo millet, kutki, and maize. The community’s go-to thirst quencher is Pej, a refreshing drink made from ground macca or leftover rice water. The mahua flower is used in numerous ways in Baiga cuisine.

During festivals and ceremonies, the Baiga folks whip up a divine Mahua beverage, a fermented drink made from sun-dried flowers. It’s a tradition to offer this nostrum to every guest and relative who graces their humble abode. The Baiga people also sprinkle sun-dried, chopped mahua flowers into their sweet dishes. And the oil extracted from these flowers is used for cooking and by the elders of the community to cure joint pain.

Many of the tribal men toil away in the fields or find gainful employment at the nearby resorts. Both Gond and Baiga tribes have truly embraced the winds of change, opting for houses constructed with sturdy cemented bricks instead of the traditional clay.

However, they haven’t completely abandoned their roots, as the flooring and roof tiles remain earthy, composed of good old mud. Even in this idyllic setting, mischief lurks in the form of mischievous monkeys who have a knack for damaging those precious clay tiles, prompting the villagers to engage in regular maintenance to keep their homes looking spick and span. Every year, three families in the village take on the noble duty of producing roof tiles for the entire community.

The Gond tribe in this region refrains from painting their house walls, as the art form is predominantly executed by skilled artists on a grand scale. Similarly, the Baiga tribe in Mardari and neighbouring villages abstains from tattooing, unlike their rustic counterparts. However, they proudly identify themselves as the offspring of Mother Earth, the enigmatic protectors of this sacred land, immersed in profound wisdom.

Within each household of the Mardari village, lies a kitchen garden. From brinjal to bottle and bitter gourd, and even the fiery chillies, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lemons, their gardens are a trove of flavours. These resourceful tribes also fashion water bottles and lamps out of the versatile bottle gourd. Samode Safari Lodge, too has embraced the customs of the village with open arms. Within its grounds, a kitchen garden flourishes, spanning a generous a 28000 sq. ft.

Here, they cultivate an abundance of vegetables, ensuring a seamless farm-to-fork experience for their esteemed guests. So, whether you find yourself exploring the traditions of the Gond and Baiga tribes or indulging in the culinary delights of Samode Safari Lodge, one thing is certain – the allure of fresh ingredients knows no bounds.

With an impeccable knack for balancing textures and flavours, executive chef, Shafat Hussain, masterfully wields these ingredients to conjure up tantalising cuisines.

“To ensure a seamless dining experience, the lodge offers a set menu that allows them to meticulously plan their culinary creations based on ingredient availability.

However, for those seeking a more interactive adventure, guests are also invited to explore the kitchen garden and handpick their own vegetables. And if that’s not enough, they can even partake in a captivating cooking demonstration, where the secrets of the chef’s artistry are unveiled,” says Shafat Hussain, executive chef of Samode Safari Lodge.

Anshuman adds, “At Samode Safari Lodge, rustic charm meets eco-friendly elegance. As you transit the dirt tracks that wind their way through the villas, you’ll notice the commitment to sustainability at every nook and cranny.”

“From the Alang wooden flooring in the main lodge, exuding warmth and character, to the sturdy brick-and-clay-mortar, we have carefully chosen eco-friendly materials that harmonise with the surrounding environment. Even our clay tile roofing adds a touch of traditional charm to the overall aesthetic. Inside our villas, the furnishings are predominantly crafted from teak and Sal wood, which is both luxurious and sustainable,” Anshuman explained.

The WiFi is exclusively accessible in the main lodge, and it is with great pride that Anshuman proclaims, “We disconnect you from the world and connect you to nature.”

— The author, Veidehi Gite, is a travel journalist with more than a decade of writing experience and a passion for exploring the world. The views and experience narrated in the article is personal.  

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

World Rhino Day: Top places to spot the animal in India, the day’s history and significance

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Rhino Day, celebrated on September 22 every year, offers a unique opportunity for organisations, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide to come together and celebrate the magnificent rhinoceros. The day is dedicated to spread awareness and support the conservation efforts to save all five species of the rhinoceros.

The great Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, holds a vulnerable status and is native to the Indian subcontinent. This majestic creature’s primary habitat spans the entire stretch of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in northern India and southern Nepal. Their range encompasses the grasslands of the Terai and Brahmaputra river basins across the entire northern part of the Indian subcontinent.

According to the State of Rhino Report 2022, released by the International Rhino Foundation, the greater one-horned rhino population India stood at 3,262, with Assam’s Kaziranga National Park reporting the highest number of rhinos at 2,613.

Here are the top places to spot rhinos in India

India is home to several remarkable national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where you can catch a glimpse of these magnificent rhinos. One of the most famous is Kaziranga National Park, which is located in Assam. Kaziranga National Park is the largest habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros,  found only in India, Nepal and Bhutan. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its dense rhino population.

ALSO READ | World Elephant Day: 6 places in India you can spot the jumbo in its natural habitat

Other prominent places to spot rhinos in India are Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Manas National Park and Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam; and Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park in West Bengal. Dudhwa National Park Uttar Pradesh is also home to Asian rhinos.

These protected areas offer a unique opportunity to visitors to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

History of World Rhino Day

The crisis over the rhino population began in Africa in 1990 and had escalated to a nationwide hazard by 2010. With only 30,000 rhinos remaining on the planet at that time, conservationists worldwide raised concerns over their survival. World Wildlife Fund, South Africa, took the initiative to create World Rhino Day in order to raise awareness about the crisis and the importance of saving these animals.

In 2011, a woman named Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe, in a mail to fellow rhino enthusiast Rhishja, expressed her desire to see at least five species of rhinos thriving in the world . They worked together to make World Rhino Day 2011 a success and since then, the day has gained popularity across the world. This marked the global expansion of World Rhino Day, which continues to be celebrated worldwide on September 22.

Significance of World Rhino Day

The rhino species are in danger of extinction due to rampant poaching, the impact of climate change and disturbances to their natural environments. World Rhino Day serves as a yearly reminder of the critical importance of spreading awareness about the urgent need to protect and conserve rhino species worldwide.

ALSO READ | India to bring 12 cheetahs from South Africa every year 

Currently, three species of rhinos — black, Javan and Sumatran — are classified as critically endangered, highlighting the pressing need for conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

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India to bring 12 cheetahs from South Africa every year 

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Despite the death of nine cheetahs in the last six months at Madhya Pradesh’ Kuno National Park, the government is planning to import more wild cats from South Africa. However, they will not be released into the same jungle but will be introduced into MP’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.

In an interview to PTI, Cheetah Project Head SP Yadav said preparations at these two sanctuaries are in full swing. “We are expecting it will be ready by December. Thereafter, we’ll take a call on bringing cheetahs.”

A total of 20 cheetahs were brought to India from Namibia and were released into the wilds of Kuno National Park between September 2022 and February 2023.

This was the first time in 75 years that cheetahs walked on India soil even as they were confused with the change in their habitat. The nine deaths included 6 adult cheetahs and 3 of the 4 cubs who were born in India.

Several reasons have been speculated for their deaths including extreme stress due to hours of air travel and several months of captivity. Some wildlife experts also pointed to the radio neck collars as the possible reason for deaths.

The Cheetah Project Head however dismissed these assumptions.

“Some of the deaths were due to renal failure, the cubs died due to heatstroke. Some cheetahs developed a winter coat (in Indian summer and monsoon) in anticipation of African winter. Nobody, including African experts, expected it.  So, next time when we will bring cheetahs, we will take care of this factor,” he said.

South Africa is willing to donate more cheetahs to India and the plan is to translocate 12 to 14 cheetahs every year for the next eight to ten years.

Yadav said cheetahs born on Indian soil will have high adaptation and survival rate. “First thing that comes to my mind is the breeding of cheetahs. Cubs born on Indian soil will have much better chances to adapt and survive in Indian situations. Once the breeding takes place, we will understand how the population will behave in our country,” he added.

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Good news from Kuno | India’s first cheetah to be born in 75 years is doing just fine

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Kuno National Park’s forest officials on Wednesday (September 13) reported that India’s lone cheetah cub — a remarkable milestone as the nation’s first cheetah birth in 75 years — is now thriving after a severe episode of heat stress. The female cub, now 5.5 months old, stands as the sole survivor from a group of four cubs that tragically perished during the scorching heat of May.

Having spent more than 100 days in close proximity to her mother, the cub has exhibited remarkable vitality, steadily gaining weight and following a standard growth trajectory. Born on Indian soil, this young cheetah holds the promise of a brighter future for cheetah conservation in the country, according to the park authorities.

Although the cub remains physically near her mother, the two have been kept separately in adjacent enclosures, separated by a 30-metre-long fence. This decision to separate them was made in June after attempts to reunite them were met with the mother’s rejection. Over the past three months, vigilant forest officials have closely monitored the two felines using field cameras.

Experts emphasise that the bond between a mother and her offspring can be intricate, particularly in carnivorous species like cheetahs, especially in the unique circumstances at Kuno National Park. The risk of maternal rejection is ever-present post-separation, which necessitates prompt intervention to prevent potential aggression towards the young one.

To minimise this risk, officials at the park adopted a gradual approach to reintroduce the cub to her mother after an initial eight-day separation in May. Initially, they placed them in separate enclosures (bomas) with a dividing fence to gauge the mother’s response to her young one. However, the signals were mixed — while the cub attempted to approach her mother, the latter distanced herself after a brief sniff.

During the second reunion attempt a few days later, the mother exhibited aggressive behaviour when the cub was released into her enclosure. Though the little one remained unharmed, it was immediately removed. Since then, the two have been housed separately in soft release bomas, separated by a fence that allows them to maintain visual contact.

Given that the cub is being hand-raised, the park management will need to prepare it for eventual survival in the wild. But before that, it will be moved to a much larger enclosure.

This marks one year since India undertook a historic translocation, airlifting a total of eight cheetahs from Namibia in September 2022 to revive the species within the country, followed by an additional 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February.

In March, one of the female Namibian cheetahs, originally named Siyayya but later renamed Jwala, gave birth to four cubs. Tragically, three of them succumbed two months later when temperatures soared to over 45 Celsius in Kuno, Madhya Pradesh, in May. The fourth cub was found weak and dehydrated, weighing just 1.5 kg, when it was rescued and placed under veterinary care.

In the first year following the translocation, as many as six cheetahs and three cubs have perished at Kuno National Park. Currently, all 14 remaining cheetahs, including the lone India-born cub, are housed in enclosures after being recaptured from the wild two months ago.

The removal of their radio collars was necessary due to skin issues, which proved fatal for three of them in July. These deaths were attributed to the development of a ‘winter coat,’ a thick skin layer that African cheetahs develop before winter, proving to be detrimental in India’s humid monsoon climate.

While extended captivity is causing stress to these animals, officials are cautious about potential infections and are awaiting the end of the monsoon season to release the cheetahs back into the wild.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

6 reasons why you should visit Rajaji National Park

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Rajaji National Park, located near Haridwar in Uttarakhand, is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. With abundant flora and fauna, it’s core tiger reserve and scenic landscape, here are some more reasons every nature and wildlife enthusiat must visit the Rajaji National Park.

1. Abundant Flora and Fauna

Rajaji National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife, especially elephants and tigers. It has recently acquired Tiger Reserve status from the Indian Government. The park is also home to a variety of other animals, such as leopards, deer, and monkeys. The flora in the park is equally impressive, with tropical and sub-tropical deciduous forests.

2. Eco-tourism

Rajaji National Park promotes ecotourism or responsible travel options by providing opportunities for volunteer travel and generating awareness in travelers about the flora and fauna of the place. The national park aims to minimize negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment, enhance cultural integrity of the locals, promote recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation, and create economic opportunities for the locals.

Also read: 6 places in India you can spot elephants in their natural habitat

3. Scenic Beauty

The landscape of Rajaji National Park is beautiful and serene, with sal and other forest types. The park is surrounded by the mighty Shivalik mountain ranges, making it a perfect holiday retreat for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

4. History

Rajaji National Park was established in the year 1983 by combining three wildlife sanctuaries named Motichur, Rajaji, and Chilla, after the name of renowned statesman and freedom fighter Sri C. Rajgopalachariya, who was also the first Governor General of independent India.

5. Core Area of Rajaji Tiger Reserve

According to the directives of the Tiger Conservative Authority of India, the national park will serve as the core area of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

6. Safari

One of the best ways to experience the park is through a safari. There are several options available, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris. The safaris take you through the park, where you can see the wildlife up close and personal.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow