28th March
by Raj Kapur
The morning started with a warm cup of tea served in queen’s corner. Today the days was special for all of us as we got an opportunity to see, understand and learn about a very new technology used in tracking the tiger. Dr Nigam sir, Dr Ankush and field assistant Mr Rajesh and Ratan taught us this complex technology of radio-tracking in a simple way. Really we enjoyed this morning exercise of searching the hidden radio collar. It was just like tracking the real tiger in the forest. In the meanwhile, we observed a fresh scat and pugmark of tiger and leopard in the forest area of Sariska palace. The animals had moved in the early morning hours.
It was really interesting to learn these complex riddle of the jungle in a simple way. After this morning activities, we went for breakfast and subsequently assembled at the lecture hall to listen to Dr A B Srivastav, Former Director, School of Wildlife Forensic and Health science Madhya Pradesh. His session on ‘Learning from Dead’ provided good examples of major mortalities encountered in wildlife, their classical lesions, and a detailed account of relevant sampling for disease and mortality investigations. The case studies were beautifully presented with a detailed account of lesions during necropsy examination. His lecture was very informative and useful. Subsequently, Dr Nigam Sir took an introductory session on immobilising drugs and provided an overview on post immobilization emergencies.
The afternoon session was on managing man elephants conflict with special reference to capture options and concerns. The pre-dinner session was an interactive session with Sh. Dig Vijay Singh Khati, Former PCCF & CWLW Uttarakhand and Sh Prabhat Gupta, PCCF & CWLW, Govt of Bihar. Sh. Khati Sir shared his experience of rescue and release of a problematic elephant besides the role of veterinary professionals in wildlife conservation. Sh Gupta Sir encouraged us to contribute efficiently and effectively towards wildlife challenges being faced in recent times. . The interaction was really interesting and informative.
The day ended with a display of camera trap images. We had deployed cameras in the forest on 22nd March. The cameras captured tigers, wild pigs, hyaena, Chital, langur, peafowl, Nilgai, Honeybadger, black-naped hare, Grey francolin, civet, jackal, sambar and human too. We enjoyed going through those pictures.. ST9 tigress who was using the Nearby forest was also captured… A great day indeed.
