Tiger from Sariska

[Vijay Rajan]

I was there for a 1 Night stay enroute to Ranthambhore. While I sighted this Male on the evening safari & there was no sighting the next morning, I did sight a Tigress (ST-3 / T-18 of Ranthambhore, Machali's daughter) at 1.00 a.m on the main road / state highway which passes through the park (towards Alwar I presume). After having sighted 2 Hyenas outside our resort, we decided to go on a short drive in the middle of the night just to soak in the jungle atmosphere when a crazy honking truck driver sped past us @ perhaps 150 Km/Hr. It was only when the truck screeched to a halt 500 metres ahead of us that we realized that an animal might be crossing the road. It was then that the Tigress emerged out onto the road, growled / snarled at the Truck driver and crossed over to the interiors of the park.

Although I did give the Truck Driver a piece of my mind for his speeding habit, I also silently thanked God that the Tigress was safe & would live another day. Actually I wouldn't be shocked by news of road kills coming from Sariska. The inhabitants of not only Sariska but most NPs of India, seem to be in constant man-made danger. Will there be an end to this menace is anybody's guess.

Thanks Saktipada Ji & Mrudul Ji for your kind comments.

Look forward to Sabyasachi Ji's views on this as well.