The scenery changes dramatically
from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp
and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort
also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands
of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands
at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage
around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes –
Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh
– are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest
that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds,
lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature within
the park is the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya
plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal
in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National
Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and
the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built
in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged
park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest,
open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers
that are only made passable by rough roads built and
maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor;
although it is the one park resident that people come
to see. A variety of birds including Owlets, the ubiquitous
Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle
Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various
species of Deer are the other attractions.
Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical
problems encountered by all game reserves in India -
people living in and around the parks and grazing by
livestock! Between 1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhor
National Park were resettled outside the designated
park area with only a few people now residing in scattered
hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue
their activities with increasing demand from China for
Tiger parts. There are no accurate figures on how many
tigers and poachers kill other species, but on occasion
evidence appears in the form of large numbers of skins
and other body parts found on couriers.
The park is well staffed and the folk who man the centres
and the mandatory guides - one for every vehicle, are
knowledgeable of the terrain and some even know the
Latin names of most species.
The tiger is not the only attraction
at Ranthambhor; although it is the one park resident
people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties
of birds including these owlets peering through their
burrow pictured here on the right and of course the
ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in the reserve
include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat,
marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species
of deer.
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