Jungle Tales: A Peek Into MP's Satpura With Naturalist Aly Rashid

Lodged within the untamed terrains of Madhya Pradesh's Satpura lies a fascinating world of biodiversity. Here, amidst the lush forests and landscapes, wildlife thrives, offering a haven for rare and endangered species. The region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, housing diverse ecosystems that support the existence of elusive predators like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs.

Amidst this rich wilderness, naturalist and ornithologist Aly Rashid stands as a stalwart for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. As the Director of Jehan Numa Wilderness, a collection of conservation and wildlife-focused jungle lodges and camps, his unwavering commitment to preserving Satpura's delicate ecosystem is evident. Rashid's latest book, "Tales from the Bush," intricately captures the essence of this biodiverse landscape. Through this project, he paints a vivid picture of Satpura's natural splendour, revealing the connections between its inhabitants and the environment they call home.

Pradip Krishen, author of "Jungle Trees of Central India," drew inspiration from Satpura and extensively studied the flora of Central India in Pachmarhi. Similarly, David Raju and Surya Ramachandran, authors of a comprehensive field guide to the wildlife of central India, served as naturalists in Satpura and found inspiration within the park while crafting their informative guide.

Sarosh Lodhi, a wildlife photographer, discovered Satpura's essence while documenting and photographing various tiger families within the park. Shivang Mehta, a wildlife photographer, not only lent his expertise in photography advice but also forged a deep connection with Satpura through numerous visits.

Additionally, Dr H.S. Pabla, a retired forest officer who served as the Principal Chief Conservator of the forest, was instrumental in creating the distinctive Satpura tourism model.

Despite their scarcity in plain sight, these animals flourish abundantly in these regions. The true extent of their presence is unveiled through the meticulous monitoring facilitated by camera traps. Mehta, leveraging DSLR camera traps extensively over several years, has documented the nocturnal wildlife thriving outside the protective boundaries of reserves. This method captures the elusive and rare species and yields high-quality, curated, and artistic images that vividly depict these creatures in their natural habitat.

Our commitment to the region's conservation is evident through our contributions to the M.P. Tiger Foundation Society, wherein we actively support various conservation initiatives within the Satpura Tiger Reserve. Projects like the Barasingha Reintroduction program and aiding forest guards reflect our dedication to safeguarding the reserve's biodiversity.

Moreover, our efforts extend to nurturing and preserving habitats in and around our lodges. By cultivating mini wildlife habitats within our premises, we've provided safe passage for animals to freely traverse in and out, fostering a harmonious coexistence between guests and wildlife.

Additionally, our local community engagement involves supporting schools near our lodges. We've taken strides to enhance infrastructure in these schools, aiming to inspire and motivate children, encouraging attendance and active participation in their primary education.

While direct involvement in conservation may not be feasible for private entities, the continuous learning and adaptation of best practices from global experiences significantly enhance and advance our efforts in indirectly supporting conservation and fostering sustainable tourism within Satpura.

Camera trapping involves meticulous image curation following animal movement identification. However, capturing the anticipated visuals remains a significant challenge due to the unpredictability of wild animal behaviour. For instance, it took us over three months to capture an image of a leopard crossing in front of the gate at Reni Pani. Additionally, photographing the Satpura Leopard Gecko, an elusive and nocturnal species endemic to Central India, presented a daunting challenge.

For those experiencing Satpura for the first time, exploring its diverse and distinctive activities is highly recommended. Engaging in walks, canoe safaris, night drives, horseback safaris, and camping adventures offers a unique perspective of this landscape. Venturing on drives to Madhai and Churna is a must, considering the high concentration of wildlife in these areas. Additionally, Satpura's buffer zones offer a more flexible and equally enthralling wildlife encounter, making exploring beyond the core areas worthwhile.

Alternatively, Satpura's abundant wildlife and the option to spend time in jeeps offer an ideal setting for individuals inclined toward observing mammals or photographing them. Combining the northern side (Reni Pani) and the southern side (Bori Safari Lodge) provides enthusiasts with a comprehensive view of the park, presenting opportunities to witness Central India's iconic predators—tigers, sloth bears, leopards, and wild dogs.

Pachmarhi appeals to those fond of hiking and seeking a serene hill station atmosphere. However, a true hidden gem lies in Forsyth's Trail. This two-night, three-day trek immerses guests in untouched wilderness, offering a camping experience amidst unspoiled surroundings devoid of human habitation.

The accommodations' needs, sourced locally, also stimulate the local economy. This interdependence fosters a mini ecosystem of financial sustainability within these landscapes. Satpura exemplifies this trend. Since the advent of organised tourism around 2008-09, these benefits have transformed locals' perspective towards wildlife—from viewing it as something to endure or occasionally compete with to recognising it as an asset worthy of preservation and mutual benefit.

Satpura is a unique and essential destination because it offers all of Central India's iconic predators—tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs—within a single region. It's relatively undiscovered status sets it apart, allowing visitors to explore the wilderness without the usual crowds offering a more immersive and tranquil experience.