Plan a Wildlife Safari to Witness the Tiger Boom in Manas National Park
By JAGAT [22-Nov-24] Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the lush foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Situated along the banks of the Manas River in Assam, this pristine national park supports an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Known for its scenic beauty, Manas is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, leopards, and now, an increasing population of the majestic Bengal tiger. Once critically endangered in this region, tigers in Manas have made an impressive comeback, with their population reportedly tripling in recent years. This growth offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to witness these powerful big cats in their natural habitat.
A safari in Manas National Park holds the promise of increased chances of tiger sightings. Manas’ iconic location and the resurgence of the tiger population make it a good reason to plan a trip to the national park this winter season. Winters are the best time to go for a wildlife safari, as the chances of sighting wildlife in tier natural habitat increases. And now, with the tripling in numbers of majestic tigers, the urge to embark on a Jeep safari in Manas has bolstered like never before.
Let’s Know about the Increased Tiger Population in Manas
The tiger population density in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of Assam’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has seen a remarkable three-fold increase. According to a recent study, the tiger population in this significant national park, which extends into Bhutan, has tripled from 2011 to 2019. This growth highlights the power of joint conservation efforts, with contributions from local communities, government bodies, and conservation agencies proving that species recovery is possible even in areas recovering from past conflicts. Retired Indian Forest Service officer Mr. Swargowari emphasized the crucial roles of civil society organizations, grassroots initiatives, and tourism groups, as well as cross-border collaboration, in driving this impressive tiger resurgence.
Between 2015 and 2022, international organizations like Panthera and the US Fish and Wildlife Services made substantial investments, working alongside local communities and park management to lessen the high reliance on the park’s natural resources. Efforts included training park staff in advanced patrol techniques and guiding local communities toward sustainable livelihoods. These strategies drastically reduced park intrusion, as many residents were able to establish new sources of income closer to their homes and villages.
What’s Our Duty as Tourists?
Well, the responsibility on our part, as tourists, is quite simple. All we need to do is responsible tourism. This means we must respect nature and the wild inhabitants that render Manas their safe place. It is us who are outsiders and we should maintain the stature as that of guests and temporary visitors. While enjoying the jeep or elephant safari, adhere to the park’s guidelines, or the instructions of the safari guide. Do not throw litter inside the safari zones, instead discard them in areas dedicated to it. Do not disturb or harm any animals, or try to feed them, as they are strictly prohibited and are offensive too. By following a few rules and regulations, you can help maintain Manas National Park’s decorum full your responsibilities to nature.
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