Leopard, bison compete with tiger’s popularity this safari season

NAGPUR: With monsoon retreating in the past few weeks, the jungles around Nagpur are gradually opening their gates for another exciting wildlife season. We update you on the highlights to look forward to in the major forests around the city...
Leopards spotted at Tadoba
While tigers have been ruling the roost as tourist attractions in the region’s jungles over the years, another big cat has become the shutterbugs’ muse this time at the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project.Local tour guide Sandeep Patil said, “We are guiding at least two trips per day and almost every bunch of visitors has encountered a leopard of late. Among tigers, Gabbar and Namdeo have been spotted already. The spotted deer and sambar can also be seen on a daily basis in the jungles of Tadoba.”
Jai dethroned at Umrer
After being radio-collared, popular tiger of the Umrer Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, Jai, is out of the reckoning. But, tigresses from his family have now taken centre stage. Wildlife enthusiast Vinit Arora said, “Jai’s daughter T-6 is almost four months old and looks like a full-grown tigress. Jai’s partner Chandi has also made regular appearances and attracted the attention of several tourists recently.”
Butterflies and reptiles in Nagzira region
The number of tourists has increased in the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary recently. Wildlife enthusiast Nadeem Khan said, “Collectively in the Nagzira and Navegaon regions, there are 13-15 tigers, though it will only be confirmed by the next census. The water storage is very good this season and has contributed to the rich variety of resident and migratory birds flying in. Also, vivid varieties of reptiles and butterflies are being spotted. And tourists are taking a lot of interest in these.”
Bear wakes up in Pench area
With the opening of the first route at Pench National Park (Maharashtra) on October 1, the number of wildlife safaris have increased already. Tour guide Suresh Santosh Marskolhe said, “Weekends are very busy for us these days. The popular tiger of the region, Veerappan has been spotted multiple times this week. In addition, wild hogs and bears are also appearing in abundance.”
Bison enters the fray
Due to shortage of rainfall in Kanha Tiger Reserve this season, animals are rather being spotted on the roads rather than the bushes here, informed a tour guide from the forest, Kiran Khairwar. “The bison has arrived in this jungle these days. But the arrival of winter in the last week of October, will see them migrating towards warmer areas. Thus, this is the best time to spot them. Plus, migratory birds like the grey wagtail are also flying in. More of them are expected to land here in the coming weeks,” he said.