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Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
6 dangerous animals commonly spotted in India's National Parks
Over the past few years, national parks across India have seen a steady rise in footfall. From Ranthambore to Kaziranga, safari bookings are growing, and interest in nature-based travel is clearly on the rise. For many, these trips are a way to disconnect from the city, get closer to nature, and maybe even spot a tiger in the wild. But while these parks are designed to protect wildlife, they're not amusement parks. Visitors often forget that they're stepping into raw, untamed territory, which is home to animals that aren't just wild, but sometimes unpredictable. Some encounters can turn risky if not handled responsibly. This article looks at six such species that demand caution, not fear, but awareness. They form a crucial part of India's natural landscape, but they also deserve distance, respect, and understanding. Bengal Tiger Where you might spot them: Jim Corbett, Kanha, Tadoba, Sundarbans Tigers are apex predators, but they're also known for avoiding humans unless threatened or startled. The real danger lies in accidental run-ins, like walking into their territory unknowingly or getting too close during a sighting. A cornered or protective tiger will act on instinct. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Keep in mind: Remain inside your vehicle during all safaris. Avoid calling out or making loud noises, even in excitement. Tigers usually stay hidden unless disturbed. Indian Elephant Best seen in: Kaziranga, Nagarhole, Periyar Elephants are deeply social and emotionally intelligent. They're often calm and even tolerant of human presence, but that changes quickly if they feel their young are under threat or if they're in musth (a hormonal phase in males marked by heightened aggression). Unlike big cats, elephants are more visible, but that doesn't make them less dangerous. What helps: Always give them space, especially if you see a calf nearby. Never try to overtake or approach an elephant, even from a distance. Indian Leopard Frequently spotted in: Jhalana, Bandhavgarh, Sanjay-Dubri Leopards are far more adaptable than tigers and are known to live even on the edges of cities. In the wild, they prefer to stay hidden and avoid attention. But if surprised, especially near their den or with prey, they can react with alarming speed and force. Stay safe by: Not walking on foot in forested areas, particularly near thick cover. Listen to your forest guide and avoid moving away from your group. Sloth Bear You'll find them in: Satpura, Pench, and parts of Central India Sloth bears don't get as much attention as tigers or elephants, but they are among the top contributors to human-wildlife conflict in several Indian states. Their eyesight is poor, and they're known to charge if they sense sudden movement nearby, especially while feeding or with cubs. Basic rule: Avoid going near bushes or termite mounds where bears might be looking for food. Stay alert during early mornings and late evenings, as that's when bears are most active. Indian Cobra (and other venomous snakes) Found in: Almost all national parks across India, especially during summer and monsoon India is home to several venomous snake species, including cobras, kraits, and vipers. They don't seek confrontation, but bites can happen if they're accidentally stepped on or disturbed while resting under leaves, rocks, or near water. Safety tip: Wear covered shoes, avoid walking in grass or undergrowth, and always check your surroundings if you're in areas with snake presence. Saltwater Crocodile Spotted mostly in: Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Andaman coastal areas Saltwater crocodiles are rarely seen during the day, but that doesn't mean they're not close. These predators are excellent at camouflaging themselves in muddy waters and riverbanks, striking only when they're absolutely sure. That one strike is often fatal for animals or humans. Your safety net: Avoid going too close to riverbanks or dipping your feet in water, no matter how calm it looks. Always follow local alerts in crocodile zones. When's the right time to visit? Most national parks are open from October to June, but for better wildlife visibility, the dry season (March to early June) is ideal. Water sources are fewer, so animals tend to gather around known watering points, making sightings more likely and more predictable for guides. Quick ground rules for visitors Stick to safari tracks. They're marked for a reason. Don't step out of the vehicle. Even if the view seems safe. Lower your voice. Wild animals are quick to pick up unfamiliar sounds. Avoid bright clothing or strong fragrances. They draw attention. Never attempt selfies with wildlife. It's not just risky– it's illegal in some parks.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Saving endangered species, one DNA sample at a time: Here is Delhi Zoo's new conservation plan
Eyeing long-term conservation and research projects, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is exploring the possibility of setting up an on-site wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. The proposed facility is expected to collect and preserve genetic material — DNA, tissues, reproductive cells — from animals at the zoo. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to strengthen ex-situ conservation in Indian zoos. The biobank at the zoo in the Capital is expected to follow a model already implemented at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, which became the first to establish such a facility under the initiative earlier this year. While the process is in its early stages, officials involved in the project said the proposed biobank in the city could contribute to building a national repository of genetic material for conservation science. The samples collected are intended strictly for research and regulated breeding purposes, under the supervision of the CZA and CCMB, as third-party usage requires explicit approval. In 2021, the Delhi zoo was among six zoos that had been identified by the CZA to join the Consortium of Indian Zoos for Biobanking of Wildlife Genetic Resources under a pilot project. The programme was built on a tripartite agreement signed in 2019 between the CZA, CCMB-LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species), and the selected zoos. Under this agreement, zoos, including Delhi's NZP, have been encouraged to collect biological samples from deceased animals, as well as from live animals during health interventions, for submission to the National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank (NWGRB) at the CCMB's laboratory. 'We are roping in CCMB for biobanking. This will help us preserve DNA, tissues, organs, and gametes of endangered or vulnerable species. The cells will be taken from dead animals and kept in a cold storage facility,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, Director, National Zoological Park. 'This will help preserve the genetic pool for future conservation and research…' According to scientists at CCMB, while this can be done on all animals, endangered or endemic species will be in focus. As per the October-December 2024 quarterly inventory report of the National Zoological Park, it is home to several endangered species listed under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These include the Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros (Greater One-Horned Rhino), Sloth Bear, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian Wolf, Indian Bison (Gaur), Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog), Eld's Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Himalayan Black Bear, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial, Indian Rock Python, and Spectacled Cobra. At present, samples collected from zoos are sent to the CCMB facility in Hyderabad. According to officials, this has posed logistical challenges. 'Bringing samples to the CCMB facility after postmortem is a challenge. They need to be preserved within four hours. That's the reason for the need for localised facilities,' Dr Govindha-swamy Umapathy, Chief Scientist, the CCMB, told The Indian Express. When asked why the biobanks have not been established yet, Umapathy said, 'Very simple technology is enough and sufficient; however, management-level hurdles in different zoos have caused a delay in creating such facilities.' As per the agreement, the CZA has committed financial support for participating zoos to establish infrastructure, such as cold storage rooms. CCMB-LaCONES, acting as the technical partner, has been providing training for zoo veterinarians, biologists, and staff on collection, preservation, and transport of samples. 'As per the MoU, we have regularly trained zoo directors, veterinarians and scientists on the effective usage of modern technology, which includes bio-banking,' Umapathy added. Dr Kumar, meanwhile, said the pandemic as well as staff shortage has meant that such conservation initiatives have been delayed. Increased focus on research and conservation studies is also part of the Delhi Zoo's modernisation plan, he added.
