Catch Royal Bengal tiger by the trail this winter

By dr. Fourkan Ali

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is conducting nature trails to local spots as well are those outside Mumbai to celebrate the chill winter months. From flamingo watch at Sewri Mud flats, to camps in the land of the Royal Bengal tigers would be held. There will also be a marine camp at Lakshwadeep which is a group of islands.

The first among the series of adventures was a Bat and Bird Trail at Elephanta (Gharapuri) Island which was on January 4. Following this there are trails on January 11 being organized to Sewri Mudflats, which is known to be a place for many migratory birds such as Broad-billed Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, and Eurasian Curlew. The charges for it are Rs. 150 per person. Other trails to local areas include bird trailing to Yeoor Hills on February 15 and at the Bhandup pumping station on February 22.

Yeoor Hills are a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park approachable from Thane; not known to many, this forest has been preserved in pristine condition. The forest harbours birds like White-browed Bulbul, Indian Grey Hornbill, Greater Coucal, Indian Blackbird, Gold-fronted Leafbird, and Crested Serpent Eagle.

On a trail to explore the open patches of the city, BNHS has organized a trail at Bhandup Pumping station which is on the fringes of the Eastern Express Highway, where the last of the salt pans and mangroves remain. A place of stark beauty, and grassy plains interspersed with marshy pools, is filled with bird life.
Besides there are camps planned to watch the Royal Bengal Tiger which is the flagship species of Sundarban, where it roams in the marshy areas and if you are lucky you can see it swimming across the channel. Moreover, Sundarbans are the best place to see the Saltwater Crocodile and Water Monitor Lizard. In the month of February there is a Marine Camp being organized at Lakshadweep island which is known to have 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. Participants will get training in snorkelling as part of the camp activity.
The camp fees varies depending on the place of trail or camping and charges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 27,300 like in the case of Satpuda National Park. The camps outside Mumbai in most cases includes transportation, food, entry fee and BNHS resource expertise.