| Nagarahole has a vast diversity of animals and
the density of tigers here is comparable to that of Bandhavgarh
in Madhya Pradesh. Despite such high densities, tigers are difficult
to spot because of the thick undergrowth and the fact that they
seem to prefer a nocturnal existence here. Also, unlike most
parks, Nagarahole's tigers are not used to tourist vehicles
because the cats can find solitude in protected zones where
visitors are not permitted. Four species of deer are found in
Nagarahole, including the four-horned antelope or chousingha,
normally seen in small groups in drier, open and hilly areas.
About the same size as the muntjac, the chousingha has longer
legs with two knob-like horns in addition to the usual sharp
ones sported by deer. This is the only four-horned creature
in the world.
The muntjac or barking deer is a small creature with a loud
bark.
Sambar deer prefer denser vegetation and live in small family
groups. The chital or spotted deer are numerous even where
there is considerable human disturbance, such as near the
park headquarters, rest houses and their adjoining open spaces.
Some of these deer have become so accustomed to humans that
they have been spotted behind the rest house complex searching
for edible rubbish.
The rare mouse deer or chevrotain, less than a foot tall,
is probably one of the least known animals in the park, not
so much because their numbers are low, but because they prefer
coming out after dark. In any event they are so small that
they can hardly be seen.
Wild boar is also found in Nagarahole in fair numbers and
can be seen wallowing in the muddy edges of waterholes.
An outbreak of rinderpest in 1968 decimated gaur populations,
but with protection these have now recovered and can be seen
quite easily. Massive solitary bulls gently grazing, or herds
of 20-30 animals are the norm. They give visitors little more
than a cursory glance before resuming their grazing. However,
it is extremely dangerous to be complacent about their potential
danger for if you approach them on foot they are quite capable
of inflicting mortal wounds with their sharp horns. And, despite
their apparent bulk, they can move at lightening speed.
The dhole or Asiatic wild dog and the leopard coexist here,
as do other predators, including lesser jungle cats such as
Felis chaus. Visitors have often been able to see wild dog
packs hunting deer in broad daylight. There are around 150
leopards in the park and they can be seen at fairly close
range, if you take care not to disturb them. Karapura is a
good spot to look out for leopards.
A major stronghold of the Asiatic elephant, Nagarahole supports
as many as 1,000 to 1,500 elephants that migrate long distances
in search of food.
Routes along which sightings are common include the one that
leads to the water sources of the Mulehole River, the Nagarahole
Tourism Zone itself and all along the banks of the Kabini
in the summer where they come to drink. One of the major attractions
of the park is the sloth bear that can be seen feeding on
termites or wandering around in search of honey or carrion.
The huge beast is relatively hard of hearing and short sighted
and a surprised mother with cubs could be dangerous.
The stripe-necked mongoose, ruddy mongoose, brown mongoose
and the common mongoose are present in fairly large numbers,
but are not easy to spot. Common otters and clawless otters
are both found in Nagarahole, near rivers and the larger water
courses including the reservoir. Other mammals include flying
foxes, jackals, pangolins, giant squirrels, flying squirrels,
Malabar squirrels, three-striped palm squirrels, blacknaped
hare, common langurs, porcupines and wild jungle and civet
cats. Commonly sighted reptiles include the marsh crocodile,
the bamboo pit viper, Russel's viper, the common cobra and
the Indian rock python. The golden tree snake, an exquisite
reptile, can also be found in Nagarahole. Soft-shelled turtles
and Indian pond terrapins may be sighted in marshy areas and
waterholes.
The Travancore tortoise and the cane tortoise, both extremely
rare, inhabit the mountainous and moist deciduous areas of
the park. Flying lizards, several species of geckos, tree
frogs and toads are also found.
The mahseer, a big rare fresh-water fish that lives in the
rivers and the reservoir, is an added attraction. Large mahseer
used to be caught here, but angling is now only allowed outside
protected areas.
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