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Elephant Back safari restarted at Muthumalai

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:24:00 -0500

The well known Elephant back safari ,which was temperorly stoped due to heavy rains restarted at Muthumalai wild life sanctuary

It was a memorable experience for many of travelers

There are 5 well trained elephants for the safari and four travelers can do safari at a time on each elephant back

There two scheduled timings

The morning one starts at 7 AM to 8.30AM

evening 4.30 PM to 6Pm

The charge is 100 INR per person

You can book the safari in advance at Muthumala tiger reserve field director office at Ooty and reception center at Thopekad..

Thumb rules for wild safari

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:43:00 -0400

Taking a jungle safari in India is an exhilarating experience if doneproperly. To fully enjoy and experience nature the visitor needs to beextremely sensitive to his surroundings and display a large measure ofpatience and self-discipline.

India is blessed with a largediversity of wildlife. This is because of the variations in climate andtopography of the sub-continent. India is divided into tenbio-geographical zones based on a distinctive set of physical andhistorical conditions. These are further divided into twenty-threebiotic provinces. The major ecosystems found in these provinces arecalled biomes. Each biome is unique and is home to different types ofanimals and birds with a certain amount of overlap. To put it simplyIndia possesses a large variety of animal and bird life.

India has about four hundred species of mammals and 1300 species ofbirds. It is the only country to have the Asiatic Lion and is home toabout 65% of the world?s tigers and 85 % of the world?s Asian onehorned rhino. It is also home to five species of big cats, four speciesof wild cattle, eleven wild goat and sheep and fifteen primates.However, in the Indian jungles one will not find many species in closeproximity as often seen in Africa, though there are places wherewildlife can be viewed in abundance.

The Asiatic Lion can onlybe found in the Gir forest of Gujarat and number no more than aboutthree hundred individuals. One needs to consider himself fortunate tobe able to see them in the wild- truly the last of the Mohicans.However, the most charismatic of the Indian big cats is the tiger and atiger safari in India is the ultimate safari experience for the averagevisitor. Apart from the tiger, the One Horned Rhino, the Asian Elephantand the Gaur are some of the other wildlife that can be best viewedonly in India.

India has more than five hundred National Parksand Wildlife Sanctuaries and more than half of them have adequateinfrastructure for the tourist. For those willing to put up with acertain amount of physical discomfort the sky is the limit.

A safari can be best described as a sojourn into the wild and there aremany ways to do so. Most parks in India offer jeep rides into the parkand these are one of the best ways to do so. The advantage of a jeepride is that one is able to cover a lot of ground in the shortestpossible time thus maximizing ones chances of seeing wildlife. However,most jeep safaris turn out to just mindless driving in the forest. Oneneeds to stop every now and then especially near ecological featuresthat attract game like waterholes etc. A discerning guide is necessaryon any safari and he should not be pressured to show animals, as no oneis a magician to be able to conjure up game. Sounds play an importantrole and one must be willing to stop and spend time listening

An elephant safari is probably the best way to get up close andpersonal with nature and in certain habitats, such as the tall elephantgrass habitats, it is the only way to go about. The advantages ofelephants are that wildlife accepts them as animals and does notassociate them with an alien presence. With the result, that one canusually get very close to wildlife. The other advantage is that thereis no noise pollution and one can get to listen to the jungle sounds,which are usually drowned out in the roar of a jeep engine. Theelephant also give you a vantage point and visibility is much improvedadding to the overall experience.

Trekking in protected areasis discouraged in India and rightly so. The average tourist does notposses the skills required to survive in the forest and is thus mostvulnerable while on foot. Fitness levels and the ability to climb treesplay an important role is escaping danger while on foot and as theseare hard to assess it is best to avoid going into the forest on foot.

Waterbased safaris are on offer in certain parks that have large waterbodies within them. A boat safari can be quite an enjoyable experienceat the right time of the year and is certainly the most comfortable andrelaxing way to do a safari. For the avid bird watcher a boat is one ofthe best ways to get close to certain species of birds.

Amachan or a hide situated close to a waterhole during the heat ofsummer is probably the best way to view game. However, one demands alot of patience. Most parks have machans built close to waterholes andwith prior permission one can get to use them. Make sure to check onthe availability of these before you visit a park the next time.

To derive maximum pleasure from a safari one must go properly prepared.A pair of good binoculars is the most important piece of equipment tocarry on safari. A pair of 8X magnification is suitable for the mammalsbut for watching birds a 10X magnification is required to bring outdetails of plumage for correct identification. One should carry a pairthat has an adequate diameter of lens as it helps in capturing morelight. A ratio of 1:5 (magnification to diameter) is the norm.

Agood camera is an asset to jog your memory later however one should notget obsessed with taking the perfect picture, as the effort tends todistract for the experience. Large and cumbersome lens add to thediscomfort and it is best to restrict your photography when using hidesor machans. Most resorts allow photographers to hire jeeps for theirexclusive use, for an extra charge, and if photography is your purposeit is recommended that you do so.

A good field guide that is easy to carry can be an invaluable asset.

Dressfor comfort and cotton fabrics in neutral or dull colours is mostsuitable. Avoid synthetic fabrics and those made of vinyl as theyreflect UV light that is visible to animals. Use detergents that do notcontain brighteners for the same reason. A wide brimmed hat is usefulin summers and dark glasses are a strict no no.

Smells playsan important role in the wild and therefore do not use strongdeodorants and avoid insect repellents and sunscreens that havepowerful scents.

Your behavior and gestures are extremelyimportant. Do not get excited on seeing wildlife, take care to speak inhushed tones and do not make any sudden or violent gestures. Try not tobreak the profile of the jeep by standing up.

Leave the forestas you find it. Do not litter, it can be fatal for wildlife. Resist thetemptation to pluck flowers and fruit. Do not leave anything behind anddo not take anything away except memories.

In addition, giveyourself time. Nature cannot be hurried. She does not respond todeadlines. If you wish to get a better understanding then you must beprepared to be patient. The more time you spend the better your chancesof seeing wildlife and the more time you spend watching wildlife themore you learn about them.

Strictly follow the local rules thatmay vary from place to place and listen to your guide. In the forest,he is also your minder and teacher. Respect him and respect wildlife.Wildlife can be dangerous and therefore it is best to avoid cheapthrills. Do not under any circumstances encroach upon an animal?sprivate space ? it can be fatal.

If you strictly observe theseguidelines, you can have one of the most rewarding experiences of yourlife. A word of caution- wildlife safaris can be highly addictive!

script by Sr Vikram najappa ,world known wild life expert in India

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=66894204024&topic=10289#/Vikram.Nanjappa

Moments with a Tribal King

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:57:00 -0400

It was on the same day 'Splash' a monsoon tourism promotion event in Wayand inaugurated,I opted for visiting This old man, I strongly believes that this typeof meetings give me more pleasure than the indoor hangamas organized fortourists.

He is Kapi moopan ,a tribal king who lives at' Thirumukham 'colony of' pakam'a forest fringe village near Pulpally, aged about 100 years with astrong body and keen eye sight and a energetic mind charged with the memoriesof a century.

He is the present King of the tribal community ' Kuruma' of 'pakam desham?Kuruma is a community which believes that they are in higher orders of the hierarchyamong the tribal communities of Wayanad, and with a strong religious and agricultural practices, and who plays a major role in conserving thetraditional paddy verities and experts in tribal way of living includingcollecting minor forest produces, hunting and fishing where the modern'knowledge' almost fails

As per the customs of this tribal community ' Pakkam king' is the ruler of all the members of that community, and his jurisdiction includes, the 'Thirumukam' 'thazhethirumukham' 'lliumbum'and 'pakkam', where majority of these familiesliving

The king is the final word in any decisions regarding the community including the disputes between members, he is the chief guest and leads all the rituals including the birth ,death and marriage functions, he is supposed to live in a'Palace' specially made for him near their holy temple, the Kingship comes to a person as per the rule of the community, generally the eldest son of the previous king and when the male follower chain breaks the eldest son of the king?s immediate brother comes to that place, when a person is proposed as the next king an official coronation have to takes place as per the rituals of the community before the community god and then only the person will getcharge of the holy chair

But all these glory and power now lives only in the memories of the present King,Kapi moopan and his generation,

The official coronation was not taken place for Kaapi mooppan ,even he acquired the king man ship by community rule 20 yrs back, the king before him,Karuna moopan also died without the coronation and official ruling power,

What blocks both of them from getting crowned is the strong protocol of the coronation ceremony, which strongly states that group hunting of a wild animal is a must for that ceremony.

As all of you aware the wild animals are protected by law and hunting them is a serious offence, and this blocks the coronation and this makes Kapimoopan's king ship one without power.

Now the king was alone,his wife was no more and five daughters were living with their family at different places, his brother's son . whom he opted in the childhood itself isresiding in the Thirumukham colony and his daily meals comes from that family.

His 60 plus year old residence was weak and damaged due to lack of maintenance

This is his Palace, the 150 year old building is about to collapse at any time, and his royal wish is to repair that building, and stay there atleast one day, and he hopes the community members will reconstruct it before the next 'Uchal',the major yearly event of the community, even there is no chance for that,since the new generation didn?t so much interested in their Kings Wish and comforts ,I wished him for the fulfillment of his wish.

This is not for advocating for kings rules or condemns the Govt rules against hunting, which prevents an old king/s coronation

This is only to share that there lives a Poor old man, A king who keeps loads of tribal knowledge (only that) in his treasury.

Please do not feed monkeys

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:50:00 -0400

Sorry for posting such a disturbing picture like this..

This photograph is from NH 212 near Muthanga wild life sanctuary of Wayand last week.

Monkeys demonstrating all their skills for some eatables are a funny entertainment for many travelers.

This type of fancy feeding attract them to the highways and leads tothe tragic end to some of them by motor hits..

This type of accidents happens almost in all tourists places where people stop their vehicles and feed them, may be your love and kindness towards these animals makes you to stop and feed but that leads to such sad events

Hope this photograph speaks to you how unfortunate that is and a grea tmessage that never feed monkeys while you traveling through their habitat.

This also request my dear friends who drive through forest roads tokeep your speed little low and be careful about the crossing tiny animals like monkeys,squirrels and mongooses

Maniyan..the story of wild elephant

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:19:00 -0400

I took this photograph yesterday (25th June 2009)morning on the way to my office in the Pulpally, Bathery road near Irulam, a small village in the middle of forest, he is " Maniyan" probably the first wild elephant with such a sweet pet name (in many case the wild animals were named with some tough names like "killer?,"night mare" etc).

he is standing in the forest very near to that village centre, about 50 meters away from the bus stop where school children are waiting for buses and where the auto rickshaws where parked, excuse my bad photographic skills and not for taking a photograph with the local people including the school boys who standing very close to him at a hand distance (an elephant hand distance, that means the trunk distance)

He is a full grown tusker ,heavy built and with strong long tusks, and for the last one month he is there near the human habitat very much obeyed to the principles of co living ,what compelled the animal to stay around is that its limited mobility due to a wounded limb ,that may probably resulted from a fight with other one for dominance .

Usually there is every chance for a defeated and wounded single male to turn rough and problem elephant , but his incapacity made him to stay almost still near that village which is blessed with green fodder and level grounds,

The continues stay in a limited area of about 3sq kilometers increased the animals chance to human contact, and definitely his wounded limb and limited mobility made the people dare enough to approach him in closer limits and even some of them started feeding him with bananas and other things.

The people who depend forest for their lively hood also started collecting firewood and all at his close presence and thus the process of co living started, it is very funny that these same days there happening strong farmers demonstrations against elephant crop raids in all most all part of wayanad..here the people of this area was very keen about their pet elephants health ,and they demanded the forest officers to intervene this issue and do necessary to treat the animal, their favorite "Maniyan "

then team of five eminent veterinarians were deputed for the necessary treatment of this bull and they studied the situation and decided adetailed plan for tranquilize and treat, and made it effective on the next day.

On examination of the wounds after tranquilization it revealed that may be most probably resulted from the fight ,and discarded the possibilities of a shot wound..Treatment including some minor surgical interventions was carried out with the help ofthe two"Khunkhi " camp elephants, and revived the animal post treatment...

Now he is improving his mobility, and can cover more distance ,but he never goes beyond that area where he feels the warmth of love and care from the local people ,and people too considered him as a part of their village life and always observing his condition.

When buses passes through the area everybody looks for "maniyan "and feel little upset when he is missing for a while ,every body is worried about him ,and his good tusks makes their tension intense ,since a disabled animal with good tusks isalways at risk. but the constant vigilance of the surrounding people protects their favorite friend from all misfortunes,

I report this story here with pleasure since it represents the love and care showered to a wild Elephant by the local people of irulam, a forest village in Wayanad district, where Man animal conflict is intense and that many times lead to the miserable death of animals, mainly these beautiful large mammals...

I salute the locals of that area for such a noble service they rendered to a disabled animal and congratulate the forest team and team of doctors who attended the animal with total commitment.