The magnificent sambar stag was around nine years old. When alive he should have weighed around 300 kg and his robust hard antlers were each one meter long. He grew up in Dholkhand Range in the erstwhile Rajaji National Park, now Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Dholkhand Range has remained free of gujjars and their buffaloes, at least for the last 40 years. So the stag had abundant forage to eat and clean, and copious water to drink. Like all other sambar stags he came into active rut sometime in November. He discarded the velvet from his antlers by scrubbing against the tree trunks and marked the overhanging branches under large trees at heights around three meters above the ground by rubbing his pre-orbital gland secretions. His usual place of day time rest was under the dense growth of Bauhinia vahlii climber, which provides cool shade, up in the slope of the Goral Ridge, the highest ridge in Dholkhand, favoured by a large number of goral and sambar. Such resting sites of sambar are known as ‘forms’.
Denne historien er fra SAEVUS MARCH - MAY 2023-utgaven av Saevus.
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Denne historien er fra SAEVUS MARCH - MAY 2023-utgaven av Saevus.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Staying ALIVE!
The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.
Frames from the WILD
A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!
WAKE UP!
A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!
Dolphin DILEMMA!
A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.
Gecko Quest!
The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.
Endangered EXOTICA!
The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!
Mellifluous Magpie!
Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.
Think Different!
The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.
Take Heed!
The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.
Close Encounters!
The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,
