Heat Rises in Mid-March and last till 15 June is monsoon is in time. The temperature rises to 42 degrees in shade and 45 degrees in direct sunlight. Otherwise, it gets delayed by mid-July. Mid-July Monsoon pours in. This is a nig relief and most of the herbivores breed in this season when there is plenty of grass to feed and produce milk. Most herbivores breed during monsoon when torrents of rain give new roots to shoots and green grass.
By March water in rivers, ponds,
and lakes start receding but there is still water left for wild animals to
drink. As summer precedes some water bodies completely dry out while water is
left. As water recedes further some water bodies are completely dry. Animals
are dependent upon a few streams and trickles. Some man-made water bodies
sustain water. Animals congregate in these spots and the predators follow them
for easy kill.
This has been seen at Ranthambore where tigers have learned to kill in water. They hide behind the bushes and make a rush at the sambar deer kill. After many a chase, they managed to kill. This was begun by Machli the famous tiger who mastered the art. She became the heroine of the park and many photographers and filmmakers began to make a beeline to capture these events. After Machli many tigers began to copy this hunting technique. This is a unique event and has become regular.
At Kanha, sentinels fill the
saucer with water in a saucer made of cement. Tigers, leopards, langurs, small
animals, and deer come to these saucers to quench their thirst. Thankfully
Kanha is not as dry and places of water remain even in summer. But congregation
does take place giving a chance to make an easy kill. Pench and Tadoba are
drier and water has to be arranged for.
If you are a wildlife photographer this is the best time for photo tours if you can stand the heat. Animals congregate and offer the best time to make films. This is the best time for a tiger safari in India if you can bear the heat.
Remember to keep
light khaki and stay in the AC room. Wildlife photographers can afford
that.
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