While Bharatpur’s waterbodies are brimming with waterbirds, the variety of habitats, from woodlands to dry forests and savannas, reflects the great diversity of birds found there
Text by: Sutirtha Lahiri
Photos by: Dhritiman Mukherjee
While Bharatpur’s waterbodies are brimming with waterbirds, the variety of habitats, from woodlands to dry forests and savannas, reflects the great diversity of birds found there
As wildlife enthusiasts, we learn that wildlife thrives in inviolate spaces, i.e., areas without the intrusion or influence of humans. Images and visuals of “pristine” forests and “untouched” savannas have long captured our imagination, and these landscapes are often shown brimming with wildlife. Truth is, almost every habitat has had varying levels of human influence, past or present. This is true of Keoladeo Ghana National Park (or Bharatpur as it is often called) too, I thought while walking around and observing the water teeming with birds in every direction. The walk, and subsequent deep dive into its long history, gives one a fascinating account of how diversity is a result not just of ecological but also social and political factors.
With the departure of the British in 1947, the winding down of Indian Princely states, and a slew of conservation policies, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972, duck hunting was banned in 1972 and Bharatpur National Park was recognised as a protected area (and later as a sanctuary in 1976). It was also subsequently recognised as a Ramsar site in 1981. While the area was accorded conservation status, it also paved the way for intense political and social strife. The notification to ban cattle grazing in the park was followed by protests from surrounding villagers, leading to the most unfortunate incident of police shooting nine villagers in 1982. Tracing the long and tumultuous history of Keoladeo is important to understand the myriad social factors that have shaped the park and its diversity.
In colonial times, beaters were employed to flush ducks out of their cover for maharajas and British officers to shoot. Today, even a brisk walk along the waterbody will reveal a lot — birds on a hunt, flocks of ducks responding to a bird of prey, egrets in a standoff with other birds for food — it is an action-packed birding experience that will captivate you.
is a researcher at IISER Pune. He is keen about natural history, writing, indigenous knowledge in conservation and sustainability, and loves exploring local food and good tea.
is one of India's most prolific wildlife and conservation photographers. His work has been featured in leading publications. He is also a RoundGlass Ambassador, and an RBS Earth Hero awardee.