| There is something different about jungles where
you know elephants roam wild. The feeling has a lot to do with
awe, but it goes beyond that. There is something reassuringly
eternal about stepping into circumstances that prevailed during
the Paleocene Age, when mammals first began to fill niches left
by dying dinosaurs. One such mammalian chain that profited was
the Proboscidae, after the Latin proboscis, which means nose.
Bandipur is elephant country.
The Bandipur forests were once the Mysore Maharaja's personal
game preserve. Protection began in the early part of the century.
It is one of the few reserves that has survived and flourished.
Close to other sanctuaries like Mudumalai, Wynaad and Nagarahole,
Bandipur maintains its own distinctive identity.
It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. It has quietly
survived the ill effects of the Kabini River Valley Project
and outbreaks of rinderpest that almost completely destroyed
the local gaur population. A low profile and careful management
has sustained this rich land that continues to flourish with
diverse vegetation, thriving animal life and a prolific insect
and bird population. |
| Most famous for its elephants and tigers , Bandipur
is also known for its large gaur and chital populations. Elephants
are found here, though most are migrant, not residents. The
forests of Mudumalai seem to be a more preferred long-term home.
From April to November, elephants are generally within the sanctuary
and can be seen bathing in the forest lakes. They roam vast
areas to feed and browse almost continuously through the day.
In summer the availability of bamboo, tall grasses and water
is better in Mudumalai, which is why they come here. You can
easily spot them at waterholes.
The wild boar can be seen in clearings or rooting near water
bodies.
Large herds of gaur can be seen grazing in forest clearings.
According to naturalists only the fit lived through a serious
rinderpest outbreak in 1968 and therefore only the best genes
have survived.
The bonnet monkey and the common langur are found in troops.
Jackals are not found in the tourism zone of the reserve
but dhole (wild dog) packs are common.
Sambar and chital with their magnificent antlers, comprise
the deer population that is the prey of the dhole and the
tiger. You can spot sambar near water bodies though sightings
in the dry forest are also possible.
Tigers in Bandipur are protected under Project Tiger. The
number of tigers in 1972 was a pitiful 11, but has grown to
five times this figure.
Nevertheless, tigers are rarely seen and leopards even less
so. The porcupine , the black-naped hare and giant squirrels
add to the assortment of smaller mammals. Muntjac , mouse
deer and droves of wild boar are seen frequently. Tortoise
flourish in ponds and tanks throughout the reserve.
You may also be able to spot pythons , the common monitor
and other snakes in the forests. Several insects and arachnids
are abundant just before and soon after the rains, making
Bandipur a rare treat for entomologists. |
| Bandipur is well known for its birds. The Little
Cormorant, Large, Intermediate and Little Egret, Grey Heron,
and the Spot-bill.
Redwattled Lapwings, Whitebreasted and Common Kingfisher,
Wagtails and the Whitebreasted Waterhen are active along water
bodies. The raucous Brainfever Bird (a cuckoo) and the Collared
and Spotted Doves coexist. Roseringed, Alexandrine and Blossomheaded
Parakeets are also part of the scene.
Mahratta, Pitta, Collared Scops Owl, Nightjar, Coucal are
some other species found here. Green pigeons and parakeets
are typical of the woodland birds in Bandipur. The Malabar
Whistling Thrush, the Whitespotted Fantail Flycatcher and
the Hill Mynah add to the melody of forest sounds. The Brahminy
or Blackheaded mynah is an omnivorous bird whose indifferent
calls transform into a melodious lilt during the breeding
season.
The vibrant colours of the Scarlet Minivet, the Fairy Bluebird,
Chestnutheaded and Little Green Bee-eater, Blackheaded and
Golden Oriole and the Blue Rock Pigeon are stunning sights
awaiting the visitor. The Goldenbacked and Malabar Great Black
Woodpecker, Crested Honey Buzzard, the Slatyheaded Scimitar
Babbler, Redwhiskered and Black Bulbul add to the colour palette
that you will witness. The Grey Partridge, Grey Junglefowl,
Red Spurfowl, Peafowl and quails are a modest part of the
ground bird family.
Osprey and the Trogon along with the Large Racket-tailed
Drongo, Jungle Crow, Jungle Bush-Quail, Malabar Pied Hornbill
and Roller, comprise yet another section of forest birds.
The Whitebacked,King and Scavenger Vulture, Brahminy and
Pariah Kite, Crested Serpent and Crested Hawk Eagle and the
Shaheen Falcon are the predominant birds of prey. |
