The iconic male tiger, admired by thousands of tourists and feared by rivals, reportedly died after a fierce clash in the Khitauli range. Bandhavgarh National Park has lost one of its most recognizable and beloved tigers. Pujari (priest in English) , the majestic male who ruled hearts as much as territories , is believed to have died following a violent territorial clash with D1, another dominant male from the Khitauli range. Tourist guides noticed his sun-salutation poses at water bodies and a priest like calm in the cat, giving him the moniker. For wildlife lovers and regular visitors to Bandhavgarh, the news marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in the park’s rich tiger history. Several WhatsApp groups of tourists, guides, and wildlife enthusiasts have been flooded with tributes to the iconic tiger. While many stories circulating after Pujari’s death may not fully conform to scientific wildlife interpretations, they reflect the immense popularity of the big cat and t...
Two national parks of Central India forming one of the largest tiger corridors have been victims of India Railways’ apathy. The railways are adamant to lay a third track in Palamu tiger reserve and second in Sanjay Dubri national park ,part of Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri –Guru Ghasidas and Palamu tiger landscape. It is spread over 25000 sq km with an estimated population of over 74 tigers. Many more Indian jungles including Melghat tiger reserve in Maharashtra, Gir in Gujarat and Rajaji national park in Uttarakhand where railway lines criss cross the core zones of the forests. Third Track in Palamu Will Ruin The Tiger Reserve The issue of railway tracks inside the core area of national park was highlighted again after death of a breeding tigress in Sanjay Dubri tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh earlier in March this year orphaning her four cubs. One of them died a few days later. Railways are adamant to...