Tigers have their origin in the colder regions across Himalayas. The species spread southwards from the Palearctic region and arrived in India about 12000 years ago, entering from the north-east India and spreading throughout the length and breadth of the country. It has yet not fully adapted to the hot and humid conditions of Indian summer and monsoon and Tiger is the only cat in the world that goes and sits in water, to cool itself.
While on a drive in Corbett Tiger Reserve, our Chief Naturalist Manoj Sharma came across a big male Tiger sitting in a small patch of water in a corner of a grassy stream. It was late evening and the Tiger wanted to rest in this convenient spot, before starting its evening stroll. Meanwhile, a herd of Elephants emerged from the tall grasses on the other side of the stream and crossed from about 30 meters distance of the spot where the Tiger was, without raising any objections to its presence. The Elephants knew that the Tiger was not interested in their babies and were peacefully feeding in a patch of grass. There were Peafowl, Sambar and Spotted Deer within visible reach of the Tiger but none of the forest denizens were alarmed. Everyone knew that a Tiger sitting in water is a threat to none. After some time, the Tiger got up and started walking along the side wall of the stream, behind the Elephants, and crossing the stream at a few meters distance from the Peafowl, who ignored its close proximity.
It seemed as if the water truce had been declared and he Jungle was peace ! May and June are the best months of the year to look for the Tiger around the waterholes and forested streams of Dhela, Jhirna and Bijrani Tourism Zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve, located close to Jim’s Jungle Retreat.