Beyond the big cats: My experiences in the wild on spotting Tigers

As we waited patiently on the safari jeep, we heard a screeching call. "That's the spotted deer's alarm call," alerted our Jeep driver. Our safari guide, Dharma, confirmed that a big cat was nearby, which made us incredibly excited as we had been to numerous tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks but had only spotted pug marks and droppings.

We waited for a while hoping to catch a glimpse of the big cat, but it was an unnerving experience as we were on an open jeep. We carefully scanned the woods for any movement or noise. The forest was still except for the occasional crackling of dry leaves and twigs. The tall trees rustled softly in the wind, and the many bushes with tall grass provided an ideal hiding spot for any big cat. Each time we heard the spotted deer's screeching call, we turned around swiftly, searching for a tiger or a leopard, but to no avail.

After around half an hour, we heard another safari vehicle approaching. The drivers and guides exchanged messages in Kannada on the best places to spot elephants, jungle cats, crested serpent eagles, and other wildlife, and then they left. Later, we also left the place.

During our return journey, we saw many birds like the short-toed snake eagle and hoopoe, but it did not excite us as much as spotting the big cat would have. Dharma tried to revive our interest by sharing an interesting story about an ant nest we saw on a tree. It belonged to Crematogaster ants and had a unique relationship with the Rufous Woodpecker, especially when the latter was nesting. Although it sounded cool, all we could think of was the screeching call of the spotted deer and the close call with the tiger or leopard. We were so close to spotting one, yet we couldn't.

Most of us must have been in this situation. However, it’s important to remember that spotting any species in a wild is an experience that should have an interesting story to tell. For me, it all started with Bhadra Tiger Reserve five years ago, where our guide showed us fresh pug marks of a tiger. Two years later, I saw another pug mark in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, but it was disbanded and not as intact as the one in Bhadra. Later, in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, we experienced this alarm call of the spotted deer. In all these instances, the habitat looked similar, with dense bushes, tall grasses, and a few tall trees with canopy covers scattered over the landscape.

Tiger Pugmark spotted in Bhadra tiger reserve

Tiger and human pugmark and spotted in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Last year, when we were in Kabini, where the tiger density is higher than any place in Western Ghats according to the 2018 tiger survey, we were again tempted to spot these big cats, along with their four adorable cubs. Our safari guides knew the location, and we stopped our vehicle in one place and waited for a long time. It was raining, and the place looked dense with tropical evergreen trees. The guide said that the tigers and the cubs might cross the road anytime, but as usual, we saw nothing.

Awaiting Tiger cubs in Kabini safari

As you can read from my experiences, it's not just about spotting the animal. It's about evoking curiosity, thinking deeper, and asking questions. Some of the questions that came to my mind are:

• Why do tigers with cubs choose denser places to live? What is the need for them to relocate?

• How do they find prey in a less dense space without attracting attention?

• Why are there only a few tigers in a forest where all I can see are deer?

And many more...

Exploring the wild is an exhilarating experience that can evoke curiosity and spark questions about the fascinating creatures that inhabit it. When we venture into the wilderness, we are not just looking to spot a particular animal, but we are also seeking to understand their behavior and the unique relationship they have with their surroundings.

During my numerous visits to various tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks, I have encountered several thrilling moments that have made me ponder the intricacies of the animal kingdom. These experiences have taught me to pay attention to the tiny details that shape their behavior and the way they interact with the ecosystem.

Every sighting, or even the mere sound of a screeching alarm call, evokes an indescribable thrill and excitement that keeps me engaged and invested in the journey. It is not just about capturing a photo of the creature but understanding the nuances of their behaviour that make these experiences truly magical. That being said, I lost interest of using cameras in my recent trips.

The wilderness is a place that instils a sense of awe, and it is not just about spotting the big cats, but it is also about observing the fascinating creatures that surround them. It is about understanding the unique relationship between prey and predator, and the role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

In conclusion, exploring the wild is not just about seeking thrills or capturing breath-taking photos, but it is also about fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse and intricate world that surrounds us. Every sighting or sound that we encounter presents us with an opportunity to learn, ponder and appreciate the beauty of nature. So, the next time you embark on an adventure in the wilderness, remember to keep your senses sharp and embrace the little things that make it truly extraordinary.