Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun trained me for three times. The first training I had was on basic wildlife management in 2002 and 2003. Me and my colleague Namgay happened to be second person to attend the course the first one being our senior Pema Gyeltshen who attended the same course in 1996. The second training I undertook was another wildlife management course, but this time much deeper and longer. They then called it Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Management and I passed this course in 2007 with distinction. This blog is about the first field trip we had, venturing into the jungles of Corbett Tiger Reserve in India's Uttarkhand State, where Jim Corbett a yesteryear's British Naturalist tamed man-eating tigers and leopards. With guides like Professor AJT Jhonsingh who followed Corbett's natural history books, we got to see the nallahs (stream depressions) where Corbett hid to shoot the man eaters and how people fought the tigers.
This is a sample of how a tour report was submitted for assessment and information sharing during my PG Diploma course. Third course is a secret and professional. No sharing here!
Title of the tour
Orientation Tour for fulfilling the requirement of PG Diploma Course
Objectives
To orient the trainees to field of wildlife in the field
To inculcate in the trainees a sense of interest for wildlife conservation and management
To expose the trainees to wildlife management in the field
To learn about India’s first National Park
Of all to make the trainees true wild lifers
This is a sample of how a tour report was submitted for assessment and information sharing during my PG Diploma course. Third course is a secret and professional. No sharing here!
Title of the tour
Orientation Tour for fulfilling the requirement of PG Diploma Course
Objectives
To orient the trainees to field of wildlife in the field
To inculcate in the trainees a sense of interest for wildlife conservation and management
To expose the trainees to wildlife management in the field
To learn about India’s first National Park
Of all to make the trainees true wild lifers
Introducing the visited area
Corbett National Park is India’s first National Park known for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Located in Uttaranchal, a new state curved out of Uttar Pradesh, it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. About 110 tree species, 50 mammals' species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species are known to occur in the Park whose earlier name was Hailey National Park (in 1936). It was rechristened as 'Ramganga National Park' in 1954-55 and again in 1955-56 as 'Jim Corbett National Park' after Jim Corbett who hunted down tigers that had turned man-eaters, between 1907 to 1939. The oldest National Park of India is one of the nine Tiger Reserves created in 1973.
Corbett National Park is India’s first National Park known for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Located in Uttaranchal, a new state curved out of Uttar Pradesh, it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. About 110 tree species, 50 mammals' species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species are known to occur in the Park whose earlier name was Hailey National Park (in 1936). It was rechristened as 'Ramganga National Park' in 1954-55 and again in 1955-56 as 'Jim Corbett National Park' after Jim Corbett who hunted down tigers that had turned man-eaters, between 1907 to 1939. The oldest National Park of India is one of the nine Tiger Reserves created in 1973.
A heaven for Tigers and its prey, which include four species of Deer, Wild Pig and some lesser-known animals the park also has Leopards mostly found in the hilly tracks where tigers don't visit much. Besides, the Park also harbours a good number of nocturnal cats such as Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dhole or Wild Dogs, Jackals, Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Black-napped Hare, Porcupine, Elephants are some of the animals of Jim Corbett Park. Long-snouted fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the 'Mugger' Crocodile can also be seen in the Ramganga River. Goral or Goat Antelopes, Langur, Rhesus Monkeys are also part of the Park.
The total area of Corbett National Park is 520.82 sq km (1318 sq km Corbett National Park including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary) (http://www.corbettpark.com)
4. Day wise schedule of activities that were conducted during the tour
The total area of Corbett National Park is 520.82 sq km (1318 sq km Corbett National Park including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary) (http://www.corbettpark.com)
4. Day wise schedule of activities that were conducted during the tour
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Journey started from WII at 7.30 am in the institute bus. Accompanying faculty members; Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh and Sh. Babu. Reached Kalgarh Wildlife Training Center at about 1.30 pm. (Journey via religious Haridwar)
Area of visit
Journey started from WII at 7.30 am in the institute bus. Accompanying faculty members; Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh and Sh. Babu. Reached Kalgarh Wildlife Training Center at about 1.30 pm. (Journey via religious Haridwar)
Area of visit
Walk and drive between Main Dam and Settle Dam at Kalagarh
At about 3.00pm afternoon we were (diploma) trainees taken to Kalagarh Corridor. The walk started with identification of Holoptelia intgrifolia and Alancium (not so sure of spelling). Dr. Johnsigh tells us about the study done on Cattle Egrets in Africa.
The list of plants identified during the walk
Cassia oxidentalis
Tephrosia sp.
Indegofera sp.
Acarianthus sp.
Avicemalis sp.
Urina sp.
Cleorodendron infortunatum (Sambar hide in many sambar habitats)
Karuta urens (palm tree of which piths are used by ducks)
Acaia ferniciana
Bridelia retusa (food for elephants, chital, Muntjac, horn bills and green pigeon). This is Euphorbiaceae plant with slantingly parallel venettion)
Lania coromendalica
Niraudia sp. (grass)
Helecteris isora
Thevecia pervinia
Sterculia villosa
Heteropogon contortus
Desmodium oogenesis
Zyzyphu xylopyrus
Mimosa himalayana
Artemesia scoperia (near Meerasonth)
Thysonalina sp.
Desmodium velutinum
Brinia vitispidi
Birds observed and learnt
Brahmini Kite (Seen flying over the sky above the bridge). Why rare? Because this kite unlike Praya kites and others are purely carnivore.
Chestnut headed bee-eater (Near Meerasonth)
Blue Headed bee-eater
Fulvous breasted pied woodpecker (near settle dam)
At about 3.00pm afternoon we were (diploma) trainees taken to Kalagarh Corridor. The walk started with identification of Holoptelia intgrifolia and Alancium (not so sure of spelling). Dr. Johnsigh tells us about the study done on Cattle Egrets in Africa.
The list of plants identified during the walk
Cassia oxidentalis
Tephrosia sp.
Indegofera sp.
Acarianthus sp.
Avicemalis sp.
Urina sp.
Cleorodendron infortunatum (Sambar hide in many sambar habitats)
Karuta urens (palm tree of which piths are used by ducks)
Acaia ferniciana
Bridelia retusa (food for elephants, chital, Muntjac, horn bills and green pigeon). This is Euphorbiaceae plant with slantingly parallel venettion)
Lania coromendalica
Niraudia sp. (grass)
Helecteris isora
Thevecia pervinia
Sterculia villosa
Heteropogon contortus
Desmodium oogenesis
Zyzyphu xylopyrus
Mimosa himalayana
Artemesia scoperia (near Meerasonth)
Thysonalina sp.
Desmodium velutinum
Brinia vitispidi
Birds observed and learnt
Brahmini Kite (Seen flying over the sky above the bridge). Why rare? Because this kite unlike Praya kites and others are purely carnivore.
Chestnut headed bee-eater (Near Meerasonth)
Blue Headed bee-eater
Fulvous breasted pied woodpecker (near settle dam)
Other connecting things found and learnt
That disturbed habitats are avoided by elephant herds (told on the corridor bridge).
Corbett is a place Rhinos where reported in the past.
Pugmarks of tiger seen at Meerasonth bridge
Paul Newton study revealed that about 1500kg of wet biomass released by the Langurs on the ground in Sal forest in one year and eaten by Chital.
An Agama lizard found (couldn't be identified).
A mugger crocodile found at Settle dam.
In the evening met with the Director of Wildlife Training Center (established in 1998) Mr. Narian Singh.
Every lush green habitat cannot be a good habitat as the species present may not be palatable.
Why do Sambar nibble Lantana shoots, it is because they are less toxic?
A Goral was spotted gazing on the top of the hill opposite the Main Dam (before reaching it).
Langur droppings and elephant tracks observed.
That disturbed habitats are avoided by elephant herds (told on the corridor bridge).
Corbett is a place Rhinos where reported in the past.
Pugmarks of tiger seen at Meerasonth bridge
Paul Newton study revealed that about 1500kg of wet biomass released by the Langurs on the ground in Sal forest in one year and eaten by Chital.
An Agama lizard found (couldn't be identified).
A mugger crocodile found at Settle dam.
In the evening met with the Director of Wildlife Training Center (established in 1998) Mr. Narian Singh.
Every lush green habitat cannot be a good habitat as the species present may not be palatable.
Why do Sambar nibble Lantana shoots, it is because they are less toxic?
A Goral was spotted gazing on the top of the hill opposite the Main Dam (before reaching it).
Langur droppings and elephant tracks observed.
NB
What ever recorded here are the new things learnt during the short afternoon trip between Main Dam and Settle Dam of South Corbett. So many things must have been taught but not have gone to my head and therefore no recording.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Jerna (a place from where people belonging to three villages were chased to favor Tigers and other animals of the Jim Corbett Jungle).
What ever recorded here are the new things learnt during the short afternoon trip between Main Dam and Settle Dam of South Corbett. So many things must have been taught but not have gone to my head and therefore no recording.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Jerna (a place from where people belonging to three villages were chased to favor Tigers and other animals of the Jim Corbett Jungle).
Faculty members present
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh and Sh. Babu
Time
7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m
Mode of travel
Drive for 4 km or so and then walk Dhara to Jerna and Kothirau & back to
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning till evening
Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjac)
Dr. Johnsingh told us that the male Muntjac occupies bigger home range than the female ones. A male’s home range would have 2 -3 females which it would mate even during the velvety antlers to prove its faith to its female company and to ensure that the female is faithful to it (the only deer species which shows such character). One Mr. Cyril Barech studied the species in Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka. They are never seen more than 3 in number at a place. They are low density species subject to local extinction. Serow, goral, sambar, hog deer, nilgai and Muntjac are endangered in Corbett. Nilgai endangered means the habitat is good as the species occupies habitat that are disturbed. Corbett habitat best for tigers.
As we walked on observed the following vegetation species;
Crataeva religiosa (Trifoliate leaf)
Zyzyphu oxiphilla (uneatable with both sides of the leaf surface green in colour)
Acacia nilotica/arabica (used as tooth brush)
Rightia tinctorial
Premna mucronate
Securinega varosa
Glycosmis pentaphylla (non-palatable)
Strobilanthes asper (fig) - with rough surface of leaf on both side and round leaf
Sulelina verbicifolium
Xanthium stemera (Roba Sha) - Rodents feed on it; grows in heavily disturbed areas
Ichnocarpus friutescens ( a climber seen with Zyzyphus in Corbett)
Acaia insia ( Tseringmazoo- Sha; eaten by elephants)
Cordia mixa
Dom Sal (small leaves in Sariska)
Randia dometorum (Fruits crushed and spread over can bring fish to the surface but mammals and others eat them)
Sage - Eriophorium comosum (Siperaceae)
Colibrokia oppositifolia (Tissue paper)
Birds that I do not know observed (those I know not listed)
Pied Bush chat (female)
Red whiskered Bulbul
Honey Buzzard
Shaheen Hawk (on the top opposite Kothirau)
White Belied Kingfisher
Crimson Headed Parakeets
Others learnt
Elephus maximus defecate 15 times a day.Male weaver bird makes 3-4 nests to attract females so that they can attract females who would choose the best nest making male to copulate for procreationThe young ones of hares can run as they are born but not the rabbit young ones because they are born blind and naked. Rabbit litter their young ones in burrows they make but hares give birth to young ones in small depressions in the grassland.Hairs have long ears with lots of blood vessels for thermo-regulationThe leader of elephant herd usually a female is Matriarch
Elephant produce 6 sets of molar teeth in life time
Ungulates spread their toes in slippery areas to avoid slipping
Minimum requirement of protein in grasses for ungulates is 4%
A matured Langur may weigh 10 kgs
Tigers can be chased by sloth bear
Yarding behavior of Chital, staying in open especially in groups to avoid predation the so called anti-predatory strategy
That Pythons have rudimentary legs and that their tracks will always be straight
Chital neck become thick and the body colour becomes dark red during the rutting season that start by about April or May
Sambar ruts by November and shed their antlers by May/June
Other things observed during the trek
Peacock being killed by Honey Buzzard
Watch Tower at Dhara forest
Tiger pug marks on the trail
Tracks of ungulates such as sambar, chital found everywhere on the trail
Black bear tracks observed
Varanus and Python tracks
Chital attacking our driver Mr. Rawat at Jerna interesting behavior of Chital
Black Buck female found at Jerna tamed
Recommended books to be read
"Among the elephants" by Hamilton and "Elephant Song" by Wilbersmith
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Paterpanisonth (A place from where one can see Tor putitora in the Jim Corbett Jungle). Paterpani Rest House has a beautiful Guava tree which bears tasty fruits.
Faculties Members Present
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, Sh. NK Vasu, Sh. AK Nayak, Sh. Babu, etc.
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh and Sh. Babu
Time
7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m
Mode of travel
Drive for 4 km or so and then walk Dhara to Jerna and Kothirau & back to
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning till evening
Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjac)
Dr. Johnsingh told us that the male Muntjac occupies bigger home range than the female ones. A male’s home range would have 2 -3 females which it would mate even during the velvety antlers to prove its faith to its female company and to ensure that the female is faithful to it (the only deer species which shows such character). One Mr. Cyril Barech studied the species in Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka. They are never seen more than 3 in number at a place. They are low density species subject to local extinction. Serow, goral, sambar, hog deer, nilgai and Muntjac are endangered in Corbett. Nilgai endangered means the habitat is good as the species occupies habitat that are disturbed. Corbett habitat best for tigers.
As we walked on observed the following vegetation species;
Crataeva religiosa (Trifoliate leaf)
Zyzyphu oxiphilla (uneatable with both sides of the leaf surface green in colour)
Acacia nilotica/arabica (used as tooth brush)
Rightia tinctorial
Premna mucronate
Securinega varosa
Glycosmis pentaphylla (non-palatable)
Strobilanthes asper (fig) - with rough surface of leaf on both side and round leaf
Sulelina verbicifolium
Xanthium stemera (Roba Sha) - Rodents feed on it; grows in heavily disturbed areas
Ichnocarpus friutescens ( a climber seen with Zyzyphus in Corbett)
Acaia insia ( Tseringmazoo- Sha; eaten by elephants)
Cordia mixa
Dom Sal (small leaves in Sariska)
Randia dometorum (Fruits crushed and spread over can bring fish to the surface but mammals and others eat them)
Sage - Eriophorium comosum (Siperaceae)
Colibrokia oppositifolia (Tissue paper)
Birds that I do not know observed (those I know not listed)
Pied Bush chat (female)
Red whiskered Bulbul
Honey Buzzard
Shaheen Hawk (on the top opposite Kothirau)
White Belied Kingfisher
Crimson Headed Parakeets
Others learnt
Elephus maximus defecate 15 times a day.Male weaver bird makes 3-4 nests to attract females so that they can attract females who would choose the best nest making male to copulate for procreationThe young ones of hares can run as they are born but not the rabbit young ones because they are born blind and naked. Rabbit litter their young ones in burrows they make but hares give birth to young ones in small depressions in the grassland.Hairs have long ears with lots of blood vessels for thermo-regulationThe leader of elephant herd usually a female is Matriarch
Elephant produce 6 sets of molar teeth in life time
Ungulates spread their toes in slippery areas to avoid slipping
Minimum requirement of protein in grasses for ungulates is 4%
A matured Langur may weigh 10 kgs
Tigers can be chased by sloth bear
Yarding behavior of Chital, staying in open especially in groups to avoid predation the so called anti-predatory strategy
That Pythons have rudimentary legs and that their tracks will always be straight
Chital neck become thick and the body colour becomes dark red during the rutting season that start by about April or May
Sambar ruts by November and shed their antlers by May/June
Other things observed during the trek
Peacock being killed by Honey Buzzard
Watch Tower at Dhara forest
Tiger pug marks on the trail
Tracks of ungulates such as sambar, chital found everywhere on the trail
Black bear tracks observed
Varanus and Python tracks
Chital attacking our driver Mr. Rawat at Jerna interesting behavior of Chital
Black Buck female found at Jerna tamed
Recommended books to be read
"Among the elephants" by Hamilton and "Elephant Song" by Wilbersmith
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Paterpanisonth (A place from where one can see Tor putitora in the Jim Corbett Jungle). Paterpani Rest House has a beautiful Guava tree which bears tasty fruits.
Faculties Members Present
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, Sh. NK Vasu, Sh. AK Nayak, Sh. Babu, etc.
Time
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive for 5 km or so and then walk along the Paterpanisonth to Paterpani Forest Rest House and walk back to Training Center)
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning and whole day hereafter
Dr. Johnsingh said that the area is the highest tiger density area perhaps in the world. Talking about Mahasher he said that there are about 7 - 8 species of Mahasher in India and that their breeding is external and that the eggs of Golden Mahasheer being heavier than other species of fish require a gravelly underground so that they will not demerse (sink). The sperm of fishes is called as Milch and that the fishes come to their natal streams to procreate from a long distance. Threats to this population are electricity, dynamiting, Randia domentora seeds etc. When dynamited the fishes sensory sense used for balance while swimming located at the lateral line ruptures making them dead and fit for consumption.
The Jungles' Travel Law
You should see the animals before they see you
Your mouth should be closed and rest of the senses, eyes, nose, ears and others should be opened
The trumpet of an elephant is the warning that you should not go near the animal
In a tiger country one should walk in open areas where visibility is high so that escape is easy.
Unknown birds made known during the day. Known birds not recorded.
Stork billed kingfisher
Grey Headed woodpecker (Id by Dhananjay Mohan)
Crested Kingfishers (largest)
White Breasted Kingfisher
Stork Billed Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Small blue Kingfisher
Brown winged, Black Capped
Collard Kingfishers (Found in coastal areas)
Three toed something?
White brow Wagtails breed in Central India
Grey Wagtails breed in Himalayas
Dollar bird
Plants identified/seen and learnt during the walk
Albezzia odoritossima (Fodder)
Hymenoditum excelsum
Cynoglossum sp. (a weed called as forget me not) which followed me till the end of walk
Bridelia verucosa
Grevia elastica (can be used as torch after debarking)
Antidesma acidum (Chutney plant)
Litsea sinensis (bark eaten by Sambar)
Embelia rightii
Syzygium opporculatum (stinks like mango)
Desmodium motorum (white flowers with small leaf like structures on petioles) Carissa opea (looks like Principia)
Themedia sp.
Phlogocanthes thyriciflorous
Other miscellany (Things learnt and seen)
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive for 5 km or so and then walk along the Paterpanisonth to Paterpani Forest Rest House and walk back to Training Center)
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning and whole day hereafter
Dr. Johnsingh said that the area is the highest tiger density area perhaps in the world. Talking about Mahasher he said that there are about 7 - 8 species of Mahasher in India and that their breeding is external and that the eggs of Golden Mahasheer being heavier than other species of fish require a gravelly underground so that they will not demerse (sink). The sperm of fishes is called as Milch and that the fishes come to their natal streams to procreate from a long distance. Threats to this population are electricity, dynamiting, Randia domentora seeds etc. When dynamited the fishes sensory sense used for balance while swimming located at the lateral line ruptures making them dead and fit for consumption.
The Jungles' Travel Law
You should see the animals before they see you
Your mouth should be closed and rest of the senses, eyes, nose, ears and others should be opened
The trumpet of an elephant is the warning that you should not go near the animal
In a tiger country one should walk in open areas where visibility is high so that escape is easy.
Unknown birds made known during the day. Known birds not recorded.
Stork billed kingfisher
Grey Headed woodpecker (Id by Dhananjay Mohan)
Crested Kingfishers (largest)
White Breasted Kingfisher
Stork Billed Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Small blue Kingfisher
Brown winged, Black Capped
Collard Kingfishers (Found in coastal areas)
Three toed something?
White brow Wagtails breed in Central India
Grey Wagtails breed in Himalayas
Dollar bird
Plants identified/seen and learnt during the walk
Albezzia odoritossima (Fodder)
Hymenoditum excelsum
Cynoglossum sp. (a weed called as forget me not) which followed me till the end of walk
Bridelia verucosa
Grevia elastica (can be used as torch after debarking)
Antidesma acidum (Chutney plant)
Litsea sinensis (bark eaten by Sambar)
Embelia rightii
Syzygium opporculatum (stinks like mango)
Desmodium motorum (white flowers with small leaf like structures on petioles) Carissa opea (looks like Principia)
Themedia sp.
Phlogocanthes thyriciflorous
Other miscellany (Things learnt and seen)
Dr. Johnsingh showed us the right place where Jim Corbett talks about the two brave brothers (in My India) in which the attacked brother was saved by other brother from the claws and teeth of a tiger the reason tiger attacked the fellow was for the lifting of the Sambar killed made by the tiger.
A tiger can eat 20 - 30 kgs of meat at one go.
According to Sh. Dhananjan, there could be as many as a dozen wood - pecker species in a habitat such as Paterpanisonth
Woodpeckers feed on bark.
The drumming sound of woodpeckers is a territorial signal.
Woodpecker types (Streak throated, Lesser and Greater Yellonapes, Grey and Brown Pigmy's.
Flame backs (Himalayan/rumped back.
Wood peckers indicate old forest with lots of hole on the trees
Arboreal, Langurs have log tails for balance
Macaca munjala new discovered making 17 non - human primates species in India
2 species of primate found in Corbett
Hoolocks found only in NE India
The white circular patch on the wings of bird seen while flying is called winged mirror.
Jim Corbett have been wrong two things that only male gorals have white patch on the throat and that the Himalayas are younger than Siwaliks
That elephants are chicken hearted.
Goral hunted using planks that would drop own being stepped on the hill caves
That ungulates are digitigrade where as cats plantigrade
Wild pigs - farmers of forest, peacock farmers friend and tigers Principal of forest (story of a Forest Officer who takes classes for Diploma trainees during the tour)
Sloth bear tracks rounded/rotund tips where as Black Bear Track distinct fingers found at different heights.
Jackal track different to others
Sinquist found 7 females in a Range of a single male tiger in Nepal
Indian Pita that migrate to Sri Lanka get tired when they reach south India and its comfortably eaten by birds of prey
That there are three elephant species; Loxodonta cyclotis, Loxodonta africana, Elephus maximus
Elephants modify the habitat and makes easy life for other species – Facilitation
Elephant drinks about 100 liters a day
North India has 10% of its elephant population Makhna
In winter elephant should not be given bath as they would be getting cold.
Elephant seen (30 -35 years) drinking on the way to Rest House Paterpani at 10.35 am (IST)
Elephants eat Mallotus twigs and discard leaves to avoid succulent, secondary compound that is imbibed in leaves
Ram Whitaker who dreamt of having snake park in Madras went to Coorg and collected two numbers of king cobra and they died at Madras (Knowing biology of animal important)
Observed one sloth bear on the road way back to Training Center at 4.38 pm
Observed one elephant herd (10 - 15) on the road way back to Training Center at 4.45 pm - a viable population – a very interesting site.
Something turtle - ly
Soft shell turtle found in this river Paterpani sonth
Elongated/Sal forest tortoises
Tri-carinated Hill Tortoises
Narrow headed Soft Shell Turtle
Flap Shell Turtle
Recommended books to be read about elephants
"Megaherbivores" by Owen - Smith; and about “Chinese Goral” by Charadut Mishra
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Mohand (Where Jim Corbett shot the man eating tiger) (A place from where one can see Tor putitora in the Jim Corbett Jungle and the Rest Houses and back to Ecotourism Center of Corbett)
Faculties Members Present
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, Sh. NK Vasu, Sh. AK Nayak, Sh. Babu etc.
Time
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive from Training Center to Mohand and walk down to Berghata angling site and back the same way after lunching at Berghat to Ecotourism Center, Corbett.
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning and whole day hereafter
A tiger can eat 20 - 30 kgs of meat at one go.
According to Sh. Dhananjan, there could be as many as a dozen wood - pecker species in a habitat such as Paterpanisonth
Woodpeckers feed on bark.
The drumming sound of woodpeckers is a territorial signal.
Woodpecker types (Streak throated, Lesser and Greater Yellonapes, Grey and Brown Pigmy's.
Flame backs (Himalayan/rumped back.
Wood peckers indicate old forest with lots of hole on the trees
Arboreal, Langurs have log tails for balance
Macaca munjala new discovered making 17 non - human primates species in India
2 species of primate found in Corbett
Hoolocks found only in NE India
The white circular patch on the wings of bird seen while flying is called winged mirror.
Jim Corbett have been wrong two things that only male gorals have white patch on the throat and that the Himalayas are younger than Siwaliks
That elephants are chicken hearted.
Goral hunted using planks that would drop own being stepped on the hill caves
That ungulates are digitigrade where as cats plantigrade
Wild pigs - farmers of forest, peacock farmers friend and tigers Principal of forest (story of a Forest Officer who takes classes for Diploma trainees during the tour)
Sloth bear tracks rounded/rotund tips where as Black Bear Track distinct fingers found at different heights.
Jackal track different to others
Sinquist found 7 females in a Range of a single male tiger in Nepal
Indian Pita that migrate to Sri Lanka get tired when they reach south India and its comfortably eaten by birds of prey
That there are three elephant species; Loxodonta cyclotis, Loxodonta africana, Elephus maximus
Elephants modify the habitat and makes easy life for other species – Facilitation
Elephant drinks about 100 liters a day
North India has 10% of its elephant population Makhna
In winter elephant should not be given bath as they would be getting cold.
Elephant seen (30 -35 years) drinking on the way to Rest House Paterpani at 10.35 am (IST)
Elephants eat Mallotus twigs and discard leaves to avoid succulent, secondary compound that is imbibed in leaves
Ram Whitaker who dreamt of having snake park in Madras went to Coorg and collected two numbers of king cobra and they died at Madras (Knowing biology of animal important)
Observed one sloth bear on the road way back to Training Center at 4.38 pm
Observed one elephant herd (10 - 15) on the road way back to Training Center at 4.45 pm - a viable population – a very interesting site.
Something turtle - ly
Soft shell turtle found in this river Paterpani sonth
Elongated/Sal forest tortoises
Tri-carinated Hill Tortoises
Narrow headed Soft Shell Turtle
Flap Shell Turtle
Recommended books to be read about elephants
"Megaherbivores" by Owen - Smith; and about “Chinese Goral” by Charadut Mishra
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Area of walk/study
Training Center to Mohand (Where Jim Corbett shot the man eating tiger) (A place from where one can see Tor putitora in the Jim Corbett Jungle and the Rest Houses and back to Ecotourism Center of Corbett)
Faculties Members Present
Dr. B. Pandav, Sh. A. Udhayan, Sh. D. Mohan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, Sh. NK Vasu, Sh. AK Nayak, Sh. Babu etc.
Time
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive from Training Center to Mohand and walk down to Berghata angling site and back the same way after lunching at Berghat to Ecotourism Center, Corbett.
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning and whole day hereafter
That Mahasher is eco-tourism species (As told at Kosi River bank Infinity Hotel end)That Mahasher can eat meat (10% carnivore)Ficus rumphii has stiffer petiole than F. religiosa which also has long leaf apex (not the case in rumphii).
Bohemeria macrophylla (a good shrubby fodder whose appearance is like Gerardinia sp. But no stinging and that B. microphylla of same genus is tree species)Predators eat grasses to remove the worms to clean the worm in the elementary canal. The grass act as pull through for the worms in the stomach. Seen on the way down.
Nyctenthes shrub loved by sambars.
That one can make Tor putitora come to one’s place by adapting to smells of particular character. Atta with cow dung may become characteristic and may constantly visit the site.
Persia changed to Genus Machilus.
That jungle babblers learn from their parents to feed and bring up their chicks - aunt-ing behavior that can benefit one when they become mother in future
End of the day at Ecotourism Center
Met with Rajiv Khatray, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve who talked to us about the management strategies adopted in CTR, the challenges of the world such as climatic change, land degradation and invasive weeds; he talked at length about the floating mess for his patrolling staff, free oil and vegetable supplies and subsidies, timely salary among other things. The sizes of the CTR given less important as it can be found from any literature of the area, etc.
Bohemeria macrophylla (a good shrubby fodder whose appearance is like Gerardinia sp. But no stinging and that B. microphylla of same genus is tree species)Predators eat grasses to remove the worms to clean the worm in the elementary canal. The grass act as pull through for the worms in the stomach. Seen on the way down.
Nyctenthes shrub loved by sambars.
That one can make Tor putitora come to one’s place by adapting to smells of particular character. Atta with cow dung may become characteristic and may constantly visit the site.
Persia changed to Genus Machilus.
That jungle babblers learn from their parents to feed and bring up their chicks - aunt-ing behavior that can benefit one when they become mother in future
End of the day at Ecotourism Center
Met with Rajiv Khatray, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve who talked to us about the management strategies adopted in CTR, the challenges of the world such as climatic change, land degradation and invasive weeds; he talked at length about the floating mess for his patrolling staff, free oil and vegetable supplies and subsidies, timely salary among other things. The sizes of the CTR given less important as it can be found from any literature of the area, etc.
Monday, October 9, 2006
Area of walk/study
Ecotourism Center of Corbett to Choti Haldwani/Corbett Museum
Faculties Members Present
Sh. A. Udhayan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, etc.
Time
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive to Choti Haldwani/Corbett Museum visited the possible corridor for tigers and drive back to the Institute
Area of walk/study
Ecotourism Center of Corbett to Choti Haldwani/Corbett Museum
Faculties Members Present
Sh. A. Udhayan, Guest lecturer - Dr. AJT Johnsingh, etc.
Time
7.30 a.m. till 6.00pm
Mode of travel
Drive to Choti Haldwani/Corbett Museum visited the possible corridor for tigers and drive back to the Institute
Things learnt/observed/taught in the early morning and whole day hereafter
Photos of Corbett's sister, mother, father and his dog robin seen at the Museum, everything he used kept in order in museum.
Not so many things but one that the tigers would not breed in disturbed area but use them for movement.
An ant-land larval spots observed on the banks of the rau near Choti Haldwani.
Photos of Corbett's sister, mother, father and his dog robin seen at the Museum, everything he used kept in order in museum.
Not so many things but one that the tigers would not breed in disturbed area but use them for movement.
An ant-land larval spots observed on the banks of the rau near Choti Haldwani.
Acknowledgement
The educative lectures during the tour by Dr. AJT Johnsingh and faculty members, Dr. Bivash Pandav, Sh. D. Mohan, Sh. A. Udhayan and Sh. Babu are hereby gratefully acknowledged. Special acknowledgement for the arrangement tour is hereby extended to Sh. A. Udhayan, Course Director and Dr. Bivash Pandav, Tour In Charge (and also my first wildlife teacher)
The educative lectures during the tour by Dr. AJT Johnsingh and faculty members, Dr. Bivash Pandav, Sh. D. Mohan, Sh. A. Udhayan and Sh. Babu are hereby gratefully acknowledged. Special acknowledgement for the arrangement tour is hereby extended to Sh. A. Udhayan, Course Director and Dr. Bivash Pandav, Tour In Charge (and also my first wildlife teacher)
The Institute that gave me basics of conservation (Photo: From internet using google search)
No comments:
Post a Comment