Stripped Hyena in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

For long I wanted to photographed and see Hyenas. So was planning to go to Gujarat or Rajasthan but suddenly I came across my friend Anand who is filming on Hyenas in Ranthambore. So one day I was chatting to him and he almost guaranteed on the buffer side of the park. So I decided to go for few days as I was in Delhi for holidays.


Booked my tickets and off to Ranthambore for 2 days.reached Sawai Madhopur on 9th August 2009 and meet Anand, Banwari Bhaiya (Tarzan of Ranthambore) and Rakesh Bhaiya at Railway station. As I meet my straight question was "will I see it " and they said yes. The place for the Hyenas was 60 Kms from Sawai Madhopur. On the way I meet one of the finest Artist Jaipal bhaiya.




We 3 people starts off to the place on 2 bikes. We reached afternoon and rested in Banwari Bhaiya's village and after lunch we sets of on foot and after 2-3 Kms Banwari Bhaiya showed me a place 500 mts from us and said there are your Hyenas but we have to be very quite as they are very shy. Just as we were about to reach the den Banwari Bhiya spotted the Roller which was a European Roller (My Lifer) after a good look and a good shot We again started the climb and reached at a place where In front of me was the den of a mother and 2 Young's and 2 adult brother Hyenas. Anand and Bahwari Bhaiya left me at the place as they don't want to disturb the hyenas and they both were on the other side is they spot they will call me and if I will see then I don't have to call them as they have see a lot.

I was waiting for some 45 minutes and Banwari Bhaiya came running and shouting CARACAL CARACAL. I took the camera and binocular and ran with him. Just few mtrs from the spot he pointed some thing in the grass and it was moving and only a part of it I was able to see It was dark and big. Suddenly it came out of the grass and after I had a good look. I started laughing as it was a Jungle Cat but indeed big and dark. It was confusing for all of us.

I went back to the same spot to see Hyenas. After some more 1 hours of waiting I suddenly spotted a Hyenas came out of the grass and was already looking at me. After a good look and taking some pictures I was done and so mesmerised and was feeling so lucky to see one of the natures elusive and nocturnal animals. After some time Anand and Banwari Bhaiya went down to check one of the dens occupied by Porcupines as it was freshly dug and we saw some tracks as well. We spotted 2 Porcupines as well in one of the evenings.

Next day we went to see Gharials in Chambal river. We were exploring country side and birding as well in the Bana country. I had a great time in Ranthambore and planning to go in January 2010. If any one wants to come, feel free to call me or contact me.......................