Sariska Tiger Reserve
-Susan Sharma
I had sighted the first wild tiger in my life at Sariska-much before poachers finished them off in this tiger reserve closest to New Delhi. Sariska has come a full circle since then. Visiting the reserve on 30th/31st Dec 2014, I did not spot a tiger but
saw many happy faces who had spotted one. The forest seemed alive once again with sambhar, nilgai and spotted deer showing themselves often. Jackals and wild boars were also plentiful.
Sambar deer at waterhole
We saw this sambar looking ill and not leaving the waterhole on 30th evening. Our guide said that the forest guards would have put medicines in the water. Sure enough, next day morning the sambar was still not far from the waterhole but looking healthy
and well. Guards on Hero Honda bikes were seen active with their walky talkies. Even the foot soldiers seemed alert despite the biting cold.
Crocs at Sariska lake
30th, a Tuesday, is the day when public is allowed free entry inside to visit the Hanuman temple inside at Pandupole. Many had spotted a tiger and tigress. We could hear the mating cries(roars) but the pair refused to come out of the bushes.
An excited crowd after spotting the tiger
Local newspapers printed the photos and a write-up
Including the eight tigers trans-located from Ranthambhore, the tiger population at Sariska now stands at 13.
"Initially, two tigers were brought to Sariska, which were housed in in-situ enclosures for a few days before release with radio collars. The protocol provided for translocating five tigers in batches periodically, during the initial phase. Adult tigers
over two-and-a-half years of age were considered good for re-introduction owing to their health status and ability to take on the stress of relocation. Great care was taken to ensure the least disturbance to the social dynamics of the tiger population at Ranthambhore
itself. After an initial period of barrenness that appeared to prove the critics right, the translocated tigers at Sariska started breeding well. So far six cubs have been littered. This includes two females, which have reached adulthood since then. " says
Jairam Ramesh in Live mint dated 3rd Jan 2015
Bar headed geese sleeping surrounded by painted stork and black stork
The Sariska lake has large crocodiles basking in the sunlight but these do not deter local and migratory birds like bar headed geese sleeping peacefully while painted storks and black storks keep a watch.