Latest news with #Nilgiritahr
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Patrols to curb trespassing, teasing of animals on Pollachi
The Forest Department has intensified patrols on the scenic ghat section of the Pollachi – Valparai Road to curb trespassing of people into forest areas and disturbances caused to wild animals, including the State animal Nilgiri tahr. Officials from the Department said five staff from the Pollachi forest range are conducting two-wheeler patrols at different sections of the ghat road between Attakatti and Aliyar at the downhill. They will dissuade people from parking vehicles on the sides of the ghat section, which passes through reserve forests of the Pollachi range of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and ensure that wild animals are not disturbed. The State animal Nilgiri tahr, which is an endangered species, and Bonnet macaques are normally spotted along the ghat section. The field staff ensures that motorists do not disturb or feed them, said officials. Though the State Highways Department has installed roller crash barriers at hairpin bends, which also serves as a barrier, miscreants scale it to trespass into the forest to have a view of the Aliyar reservoir and for other activities. According to an official, several incidents of miscreants trespassing into forest areas as an adventure or to consume alcohol have been reported in the recent past. However, no incidents of teasing wild animals have been reported of late. The official added that the patrols were intensified also in view of the rain season as trespassing into cliffs and slopes of the ghat section could lead to mishaps.
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Time Business News
Indian Wildlife Tour Packages for Nature and Safari Lovers
India's landscapes are as diverse as its cultures—stretching from dense rainforests to dry scrublands, marshy mangroves to alpine forests. Tucked within these varied ecosystems is an extraordinary range of wildlife. Whether it's the majestic Bengal tiger stalking silently in Ranthambhore or elephants walking in herds through the forests of Kerala, Indian wildlife tour packages offer a real connection to the untamed world. These packages are not just sightseeing trips; they are curated journeys into raw nature. Wildlife lovers, photographers, birders, and conservation enthusiasts all find something meaningful in these tours. From tiger safaris to bird-watching retreats, every trip unveils a side of India that often remains unseen. Indian wildlife tour packages offer structured yet immersive experiences in the heart of nature. Most packages are designed to minimize human interference while allowing visitors to understand natural habitats responsibly. Here's why these tours are becoming popular among travelers from around the world: Diverse Wildlife : India is home to over 100 national parks, 500+ wildlife sanctuaries, and 13 biosphere reserves. : India is home to over 100 national parks, 500+ wildlife sanctuaries, and 13 biosphere reserves. Endemic Species : These include animals found nowhere else on Earth like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, and Nilgiri tahr. : These include animals found nowhere else on Earth like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, and Nilgiri tahr. Ecological Education : Many tour operators include conservation-based activities, helping visitors understand the ecosystem's balance. : Many tour operators include conservation-based activities, helping visitors understand the ecosystem's balance. Comfort & Access: From luxury jungle lodges to eco-camps, accommodations are available near most reserves. Different forests and terrains in India cater to different interests. Here's a breakdown of some of the best Indian wildlife tour packages based on location and wildlife specialties. Ideal for those wanting a close view of Bengal tigers in a dry deciduous forest, Ranthambhore is one of India's most accessible tiger reserves. The terrain makes it easier to spot wildlife, especially during the summer. Highlights: High tiger sighting probability Historical Ranthambhore Fort within the park Jeep and canter safari options available Best Time: October to June Home to the world's largest population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tall elephant grass and marshy surroundings are perfect for rhino, elephant, and water buffalo sightings. Highlights: Elephant safaris Migratory bird sightings Wetland ecosystem diversity Best Time: November to April India's first national park, Jim Corbett is a mix of grasslands, river belts, and hilly terrain. Perfect for bird watchers and those seeking Himalayan wildlife, this park offers night stays deep within the forest zones. Highlights: Over 600 bird species Himalayan foothill wildlife Riverine forest ecosystem Best Time: November to June Located in the Western Ghats, Periyar offers lush green views and boat safaris on Periyar Lake. You may witness elephants drinking water along the banks or spot otters and other aquatic life. Highlights: Boat cruises Eco-tourism treks Indigenous tribal village tours Best Time: October to May These adjacent reserves form part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet forest experience, they offer well-managed safaris with minimal crowd interference. Highlights: Leopard and elephant sightings Bird photography tours Forest stay options Best Time: October to March Indian wildlife tour packages are not limited to safari rides. Many offer a mix of adventurous and educational experiences. Certain parks like Satpura and Periyar allow regulated jungle trekking. These walks, accompanied by guides and forest officials, let you witness wildlife at ground level—paw prints, claw marks, and untouched trails. India is a paradise for bird lovers, with places like Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Chilika Lake in Odisha hosting thousands of migratory birds during the winter months. The Sundarbans in West Bengal and the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh offer unique wildlife sightings from the water—crocodiles, dolphins, and river turtles, among others. Some parks like Pench and Satpura offer limited night safari . These allow sightings of nocturnal creatures like hyenas, civets, and owls. Each region of India holds different species. Here's a glimpse of animals commonly encountered during Indian wildlife tour packages: Bengal Tiger – Found in parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Ranthambhore – Found in parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Ranthambhore Asiatic Lion – Only in Gir National Park, Gujarat – Only in Gir National Park, Gujarat One-Horned Rhinoceros – Kaziranga, Pobitora (Assam) – Kaziranga, Pobitora (Assam) Elephants – South India, especially Wayanad, Bandipur, and Periyar – South India, especially Wayanad, Bandipur, and Periyar Snow Leopard – Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Winter tracking tours) – Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Winter tracking tours) Leopards – Common in Bera (Rajasthan), Kabini (Karnataka), and Satpura Most parks are closed during the monsoon (July to September). For the best sightings, March to May is considered ideal, though it can be hot. Safari permits, especially in popular zones like Ranthambhore or Bandhavgarh, are limited and get sold out quickly. Pick tour providers who follow ethical practices like regulated safari movement, local community employment, and minimal plastic usage. Wear neutral-colored clothing, avoid perfumes, carry binoculars, and always listen to the forest guide. Booking a wildlife trip independently is possible but not always practical. Here's why curated Indian wildlife tour packages work better: Time-Saving : Saves the hassle of securing permits, transport, and stay separately : Saves the hassle of securing permits, transport, and stay separately Guided Experience : Knowledgeable naturalists offer deeper insights : Knowledgeable naturalists offer deeper insights Better Zones Access : Established operators often get access to core safari zones : Established operators often get access to core safari zones Local Support: Packages often include local community guides, meals, and even cultural programs To make the most of your journey, wildlife trips are often combined with cultural or relaxation destinations. Ranthambhore + Jaipur : Wildlife plus heritage : Wildlife plus heritage Kaziranga + Meghalaya : Forests plus caves and waterfalls : Forests plus caves and waterfalls Corbett + Rishikesh : Jungle experience followed by river rafting : Jungle experience followed by river rafting Periyar + Munnar : Wildlife and tea plantations : Wildlife and tea plantations Bandhavgarh + Khajuraho: Safari with temple architecture Indian wildlife tour packages are not just vacations—they're windows into ecosystems that are thousands of years old. They carry the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of natural silence, and the possibility of seeing rare species in their original habitats. Whether you're chasing the elusive tiger or simply soaking in the jungle air, these tours bring a new perspective on life. India's wildlife is not confined to postcards or documentaries. It's real, raw, and waiting to be experienced—responsibly and respectfully. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Controlled burning ensures food security for Nilgiri tahrs in Eravikulam
In a strategic move to protect both wildlife and local communities, Eravikulam National Park (ENP) — the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri tahr — has embraced the controlled burning of grasslands. As fresh grass carpets the hills, wild animals find ample food, and the once-rising cases of human-animal conflict in Munnar are now on the decline. ENP assistant wildlife warden Nithin Lal said that this year, the Forest department conducted controlled burning on nearly 750 hectares. 'The controlled burning process starts in December and is completed in January. After the summer rain, hills where controlled burning was carried out changes into green carpets,' said the official. 'Every three years, the grass in the grasslands of ENP will become unsuitable for grazing. Nilgiri tahr and other animals will not feed on such grass. At that point, controlled burning will be carried out to ensure food security,' said Mr. Lal. 'Newborn Nilgiri tahr calves are eating the newly-grown grass from the grasslands. Controlled burning also ensures food security for wild elephants, including other animals in the Munnar landscape,' said the official. Since three decades According to officials, the Forest department started the process in Eravikulam around 30 years ago, based on the know-how from the tribal communities. According to Forest department sources, after the new grass grew following controlled burning on the hills, the wild animals, including wild elephants begin camping on the grasslands, which also reflects the reduction of human-animal conflict cases in Munnar. The Forest department, in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Scheduled Tribe Development department, has launched an initiative called 'Gothrabheri' to use tribal knowledge to mitigate human-animal conflict incidents in the State and also highlighted the importance of controlled burning. 'Gothrabheri' State nodal officer Raju K. Francis said that tribal population across Kerala an immediate tool to mitigate human-animal conflict cases in forest border areas. 'Controlled burning should be conducted inside forests in an emergency manner,' said Mr. Francis.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Traditional Nilgiri tahr habitats in Coimbatore Forest Division show signs of population revival
The traditional habitats of the enigmatic Nilgiri tahr in the Coimbatore Forest Division have shown signs of potential revival of their population as per the observations in the recently concluded synchronised census of the State animal. Five Nilgiri tahrs were sighted by enumerators at Periyattumalai in Madukkarai forest range limits during the estimation, after a gap of over a decade. Pellets of Nilgiri tahr were found in other traditional habitats, namely Kunjiramudi in Boluvampatti forest range and Kurudi Malai that is spread across Boluvampatti and Coimbatore ranges. For the study 'Status and Distribution of the Nilgiri Tahr in the Western Ghats' published in 2015, the WWF-India surveyed Chinnattumalai, Kunjiramudi, Vellingiri hills and Kurudi Malai in Coimbatore division. Tahr presence was observed in Chinnattumalai (two animals sighted) and Kunjra Mudi (pellets). 'The survey was conducted in 2010 and two individuals were sighted at Chinnattumalai. Though we went to the location a few more times, no direct sighting could be made as they moved to the Kerala side,' said Paul Peter Predit from WWF-India, who was part of the study. Chinnattumalai and Periyattumalai are contiguous forests and tahrs are believed to be moving between the two habitats, besides foraging in the Kerala side. 'The recent sighting at Periyattumalai is promising as tahr presence has been reconfirmed after the gap of over a decade. Frequent monitoring and use of technologies like drones will help in generating more details of their habitat and population trend,' added Mr. Predit. The tahr population in Coimbatore division is largely regarded as Siruvani hills population, which have more genetic similarities with the population that is found in the north of the Palakkad gap of the Western Ghats. M.G. Ganesan, Project Director of the government's Project Nilgiri Tahr, said that this year's survey was expected to generate more insights about the State animal as 'threats assessment' had been added as a new section. 'It will give us more inputs to understand the habitat landscapes of tahrs,' he said.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Nilgiri tahrs recover lost habitats in Tamil Nadu: Survey
Nilgiri tahr UDHAGAMANDALAM: Nilgiri tahrs have been sighted in Periyattumalai in Coimbatore division after a decade, according to the second synchronized survey of Nilgiri tahrs in Tamil Nadu which concluded on Sunday. Also, new colonization was confirmed in the Pasumalai block in Chinnamanur range in the Megamalai division, an indication of habitat recovery . Under the Project Nilgiri Tahr (launched in 2023), the four-day synchronized survey of Nilgiri tahr -- the state animal -- was conducted in 176 survey blocks of 14 forest divisions across the state. Herds were sighted with kids, according to a press release. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The survey included the collection of tahr pellets for parasitic and carnivore's scat for understanding the parasitic species presence and its life cycle in association with Nilgiri tahr. Seven tahrs were sighted in the lowest elevation (240 m MSL) survey block in Peyanar Varaiyattu Mottai. This is one of the finest cliff and escarpment terrain blocks where tahr is using a dry thorny landscape. 'In the Mangaladevi survey block in Megamalai division, where the species was believed to have moved out, pellets of tahrs were recorded. Thus, the presence of the species is ascertained with evidence,' said M G Ganesan, project director, Project Nilgiri Tahr, who led the survey. The collected pellets and carnivore scat samples in ethanol vials are to be sent for laboratory analysis, especially parasitic analysis in the Wildlife Division at TANUVAS (Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University). Good population was sighted at Grass Hills National Park in Valparai and Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris. These two meta populations are vital for maintaining these fragile grasslands, said Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, department of environment, climate change and forest. She said, 'Pavetta oblanceolate, a critically endangered flora species, was recorded in Anamalai during the survey.' Ganesan said, 'After digitization, processing and interpretation of data will be done with research personnel and experts'. Experts from TANUVAS, project scientists and a team from WWF participated in the survey with 800 field staffers covering a 2,000km distance.
