Wildlife is abundant here. This is their home. This is the place where they rule and we enter their home with an impending excitement. This is where you can see the King the Jungle-The Tiger- the largest Cat and the apex predator , in its habitat. It is here where you can see the Elusive Black Panther , it is here where elephants roam , and it is here where you can come face to face with the gaur , the largest cattle in the world.

Kabini is magical in all respects. It is a place of wonder and serendipity. Nested between the Kabini River- from which the jungle draws its name, the wonderland opens up with numerous joys of wild life. It is also known as  leopard capital, and the strange thing is, when tigers – which are the apex predators in the Indian Wildlife ecosystems, exists in numbers in Kabini, The Leopards of Kabini , are equally bold. The behaviour is not seen much in other jungles where Tigers and Leopards co exist, because Tigers tend to attack and hunt Leopards – which they consider a threat to their dominance.
Leopards in other wildlife ecosystems , with tigers around, tend to come out in the night and are extremely shy. Not here in Kabini, where the dominant leopards can be seen walking nonchalantly and as if they have no fear of the tiger.

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Seeing a Tiger Make a Kill in the wild , is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling experiences in the wild. Tiger is a solitary animal and it relies on its superior sense of smell, sight and camouflage to take down its prey.

This sequence of  images which were stitched together to create the video was taken on an sultry afternoon at Ranthambore.
The Light was amazing, and we were parked on a road close to the Rajbagh Lake at Ranthambore and the high ground on the left.

We had crossed this point multiple times, and came back to check this again as there were calls going in the jungle. Spotted the Tigress almost 200 feet away from us on left of us on the high ground.
We sat with baited breath and saw her slowing walking towards us. As soon as she was less than 75 feet away from us, She started to increase her speed, and shot down directly towards us. OK- that is a charge towards us – we thought and really were readying to take off when she , at the last second , changed her direction , crossed the road behind the Gypsy and jumped almost 15 feet into the thick bushes on the right towards the lake. The Jump has been recorded on the video – and then she went after the actual intended target of a wild boar – which she successfully captured . In the end of the video , you can see her tail and she seems to be dragging her Kill.

What made this special was that the tigess used the gypsy as her cover. She was extremely well hidden due to our vehicle . On top of that, what made us in awe of her prowess as a hunting machine was her ability to spot her prey from almost 200 feet . She knew exactly where the boar was and using her stealth, she approached the boar with caution first and then when she was in the attacking distance, She put on a power display which remains unforgettable – that leap which took her 15 feet from one point to another was a sight to behold!

Enjoy the Clip..

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Claws Out

The Majesty of Ranthambore – Framing the Wilderness

The landscape of Ranthambore National Park is a photographer’s canvas, painted with diverse terrains and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the key signature images you can capture, along with recommendations on where to find these picturesque scenes.

1. The Royal Bengal Tiger: The apex predator and the star of Ranthambore. Capturing a tiger in its natural habitat is a moment of triumph for any wildlife photographer. *Best spots:* Zones 3 and 4 are well-known for tiger sightings, especially around the water bodies where they often come to drink or cool off. The Signature Shot At Ranthambore is at an old ruin close to a lake where Tigers come to relax during hot summer months.

2. The Ancient Ruins Amidst Nature: The park is dotted with ancient structures, including the majestic Ranthambore Fort and old temples. These ruins offer a unique backdrop, blending history with nature. *Best spots:* The Ranthambore Fort area provides a panoramic view of the park and is an excellent spot for landscape photography.

3. The Vibrant Birdlife: Ranthambore is a paradise for bird photographers. From the colorful Indian Pitta to the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle, the park is home to over 270 bird species. *Best spots:* The lakes and water bodies, particularly Padam Talao, are ideal for bird photography, especially during the winter migratory season.

4. The Lakes and Water Holes: These are not just sources of water but lifelines of the jungle, attracting a variety of wildlife. Capturing the interplay of animals at these spots can be fascinating. *Best spots:* Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao, and Padam Talao are famous for their scenic beauty and wildlife activity.

5. The Flora and Fauna: Beyond the big mammals, the park’s diverse flora and smaller fauna like langurs, deer, and wild boars offer interesting subjects. *Best spots:* The dense forest areas and open grasslands are great for capturing the diversity of Ranthambore’s ecosystem.

6. The Ethereal Sunrises and Sunsets: The play of light at dawn and dusk creates magical landscapes. Capturing these moments adds a serene dimension to your wildlife photography. *Best spots:* Higher vantage points near the Ranthambore Fort or open zones like Zone 6 offer spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

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In each of these locations, patience and respect for the natural environment are crucial. Remember, the best shots are those taken without disturbing the wildlife. By being in the right place at the right time, and with a bit of luck, Ranthambore offers endless opportunities to capture the essence of the wild.

Photography Tips and Techniques – Capturing Ranthambore’s Essence**

Photographing wildlife in Ranthambore is both challenging and rewarding. Here are some essential tips and techniques to help you capture the park’s natural beauty:

1. Camera Gear Essentials:
– **Camera:** A DSLR or a mirrorless camera with good autofocus and high ISO performance is ideal for wildlife photography.
– **Lenses:** Telephoto lenses (at least 300mm) are essential for close-ups of distant wildlife. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes and large animal herds.
– **Support:** Tripods or monopods help stabilize your shots, especially important for long lenses and low-light conditions.

2. Understanding Wildlife Behavior:**
– Spend time observing the animals. Patience is key in wildlife photography.
– Learn to anticipate behavior. For example, birds about to take flight, predatory animals on the hunt, or moments of interaction between species.

3. Lighting and Composition:**
– Utilize the ‘golden hours’ – early morning and late afternoon – for the best natural light.
– Practice the rule of thirds for compelling compositions.
– Pay attention to the background to avoid distractions and enhance the subject.

4. Camera Settings for Wildlife:**
– Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, especially for birds or fast-moving animals.
– Aperture settings depend on your subject; use a wide aperture (low f-number) for isolating the subject, and a
smaller aperture (high f-number) for wider depth of field in landscapes.
– Adjust ISO as needed, but be mindful of noise in higher ISO settings.

5. Being Ready for the Moment:
– Always have your camera ready; wildlife moments are often fleeting.
– Practice changing settings quickly as lighting and subject behavior change.

6. Respect for Wildlife and Environment:
– Keep a safe distance from animals. Use your zoom lens instead of trying to get too close.
– Avoid using flash as it can disturb wildlife.
– Be silent and unobtrusive; respect the natural habitat.

7. Post-Processing:
– Enhance your images through post-processing but keep edits realistic, especially for color and saturation.
– Tools like Lightroom or Photoshop can be used for cropping, adjusting exposure, and sharpening images.

8. Safety and Ethics:
– Prioritize your safety and the welfare of the animals over getting a perfect shot.
– Follow park rules and guidelines at all times.

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The Image of the Tigress on the tree , is an image which shows tiger behaviour in the jungle. Usually, Tigers’s claws are retracted in the feet and are only visible during hunts,while tree markings or to sharpen them.  We followed this Tigress, Known as Noor for almost 20 minutes and she was  extremely relaxed- giving us ample opportunities to frame some amazing images with her. She Jumped on this fallen tree, got her claws out and stretched. She used the tree to Sharpen her claws – usually Tigers claws keep on generating – and they sharpen their claws to  help them shed the worn outer layer of their claws, revealing a newer, sharper claw beneath. Additionally, scratching on various surfaces aids in preventing claws from becoming ingrown, a condition that can lead to severe complications if neglected. The claws of tigers are in a continuous state of growth, where new layers develop underneath the old ones. As a tiger sheds the outermost layer through scratching, it uncovers a freshly sharpened claw underneath.

By following these tips and techniques, photographers can maximize their chances of capturing the stunning beauty and rare moments of wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. Remember, wildlife photography is not just about the technical aspects; it’s about connecting with nature and telling a story through your lens.

This park is a microcosm of the wild, offering a glimpse into the untamed and untouched beauty of nature. The images captured are not just photographs; they are stories, each telling a tale of survival, coexistence, and the sheer majesty of the wild.

Ranthambore is more than a destination; it’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. For photographers, it’s a place to hone their craft, but more importantly, it’s a place to learn, to respect, and to be inspired by the natural world.

Ranthambore has been an  unforgettable chapter in my life as a photographer. It has been a reserve which i have been to over 100 times, starting very young when i was 8 years old.  It has reinforced my commitment to using my lens not just to capture moments but to contribute to the narrative of wildlife conservation.  I always have left  Ranthambore with a treasure trove of memories, a deeper understanding of wildlife, and a renewed pledge to be an advocate for these wild spaces that so desperately need our protection.

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