February 2025 - Week 1 Roundup

Feb 6

Tiger

Sighted on: 03.Feb.2025

The day began under a blazing sun, and we were optimistic about spotting large mammals near the backwaters, as the hot weather would likely draw them out. I instructed my driver to stay close to the backwaters. We heard alarm calls in the distance, suggesting that a leopard or tiger might have made a kill, but our search yielded no tangible results.

Near a waterhole, we finally encountered a massive bull gaur that emerged from the bushes, took a drink, and remained alert. This made me think of the tigress that had crossed the road earlier in the morning and was heading towards the backwaters.

Towards the end of our drive, we unexpectedly came across a shy male tiger in the tourism zone. As darkness began to set in, our time with him was brief, but it was an unforgettable experience.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Shanmuga Kumar

River Tern

Sighted on: 06.Feb.2025

During the morning boat safari we noticed that the number of River terns along the backwaters had increased. Whilst River Terns are not globally threatened, their nesting sites on sandbanks are vulnerable to water level fluctuations caused by dam operations and human activities. Kabini remains an important refuge for them on the global map, providing undisturbed breeding grounds.