13th February
by Dr Prashant Deshmukh & Dr Purushotham Chilla
Exploring the Wild: A Day of Wildlife Sign Surveys at Sariska Tiger Reserve
The sun had recently risen above the horizon, illuminating the Sariska Tiger Reserve with a golden light. Engaged in the wildlife sign survey organized by IWAH, 24 participants assembled with excitement, ready to embark on the upcoming adventure.
Our mission for the morning was clear: to identify and interpret tracks and signs of wild animals. Armed with curiosity and determination, we set out to explore the heart of the reserve, guided by experienced wildlife biologists from Wildlife Institute of India and Zoological Society of London.
On our first stop at the forest patrolling camp we were presented with the antlers of the common deer species found in Sariska Tiger Reserve. With hot cup of tea we were educated on how to identify antlers and their ecological importance.
Leaving the antlers behind, we headed on a trail in search of the signs of the wild animals. It wasn’t very long until we found the first pugmark (pawmark) of the striped hyena. The tutors explained the distinctive features of the pugmark and evolutionary process behind different paw sizes of forelimbs and hindlimbs. We followed a trail of hyena pugmark for some 50 meters and suddenly encountered a pugmark of the tiger right beside the hyena pugmarks. I was not hoping to see a tiger pugmark so early on the trail, I guess we were in good luck today. We measured a tiger pugmark on the dusty substrate, it measured 16cm in length and 15cm in width. Both the tiger and hyena pugmarks appeared to be from last night as they were on the top of all other herbivore pawmarks on what appeared to be a very busy trail. On the trail it came to my mind whether they are following each other, or it was a mere coincidence, if there was a camera trap deployed on that trail we would have known.
The day followed with captivating lectures on applied population ecology covering animal population monitoring using sign surveys, distance sampling, occupancy surveys and camera trapping.
But beyond the technicalities, what truly resonated with us was the profound connection forged with the natural world. With every step, we felt a kinship with the creatures that call Sariska home – from the majestic tiger to the elusive hyena, each leaving their mark upon the landscape.