Spotting the wonders of the wild
Embrace the fauna
in some of the best national parks around the world
With the increased awareness amongst masses, taking
the off beaten part to experience wildlife in countries one travels too has
become a vital part of a holiday. A safari park lets their
animals roam free resembling a real wildlife environment. Opt for a safari that
allows you to see animals in an entirely natural habitat. An experienced ranger
will know where specific animals are likely to be at a certain time and will
often leave 'treats' out so that beast and tourist can cross paths
conveniently. As far as is possible the young are conditioned to be comfortable
with a jeep being alongside them while they nap, eat or play. A big part of the
safari experience is the opportunity for photography.
International Tiger Day.
AMPHIBIANS AHOY
SAY HELLO TO THE GIANT ALDABRA
TORTOISE
Region: Seychelles
During September, thousands of Hawksbill
Turtles begin their annual migration to the shores of Seychelles to
nest. The turtles are seen trudging up soft sand on the beaches to lay up to
200 eggs at a time. Apart from Hawksbill, the tortoises found on the island are
mainly Giant Aldabra Tortoises, with Esmeralda being
the oldest and heaviest of the bunch. With free roaming tortoises on the island
you will never run short of these placid friendly creatures peering out at you.
These ancient reptiles are mostly herbivores, feeding on grass,
leaves, and various plants. They tend to eat in the mornings and evenings when
it is cooler and to rest in shaded areas during the warmer periods of the day.
If you are fond of their cousins, the turtles, then you should look seaward to
try turtle spotting at Passe Coco. Here, you will often find
juvenile green turtles feeding on the Thalassia sea beds. If you're
lucky you may even get to swim with a few. You can also head to Fregate
Island, part of the Seychelles archipelago, which sees over 2,000 giant
Aldabra tortoises inhabiting the island, along with the rare hawksbill and
green turtles.
TALLEST MAMMAL
WATCH OUT FOR THE TALLEST ANIMAL
OF THE WORLD
Region: Africa
Murchison Falls National Park,
Uganda: The Rothschild is the most endangered species of giraffes
found in Uganda’s Murchison falls national park. They have some dark patches of
brown and orange almost like the colour of a leopard and markings stop at the
top of their legs and then the legs are white. Sadly the Rothschild is in
serious danger more so because of its unique characteristics that have greatly
contributed to its decline in numbers.
Etosha National Park and
Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia: The low vegetation of
Namibia makes it easy to spot the tall creatures. At Etosha, viewing is
especially interesting at Klein Namutoni waterholes to observe their drinking
technique. The giraffes either splay their forelegs or bend their knees. Apart
from the well-known South African giraffe, which is found all over Southern
Africa, the Angolan giraffe subspecies, the Namibian giraffe, is also found
here.
Serengeti National Park,
Tanzania: Known by the Masai as the ‘Endless Plains’ the Serengeti
is filled with grazing species, including giraffe, topi, kongoni, impala and
Grant’s gazelle, alongside huge herds of buffalo and massing crowds of
elephant. All these herbivores provide a rich and varied diet for predators and
in the Serengeti you get them all.
ADVENTURE AMIDST THE WILD
MARINE LIFE AND ENDANGERED
SPECIES
Region: Mauritius
Besides its gorgeous beaches fringed with palm trees,
azure water, luxurious resorts and villas, the island of Mauritius has an
abundant wildlife too. At Yemen Natural Reserve Park, located on
the West Coast of Mauritius, you can enjoy quad biking and
check out the wildlife that calls the 4,500 hectare large sanctuary home. The
reserve is home to herds of java deer, wild boars, hare, macaque monkeys,
mongoose
and fruit bats. More than a quad bike outing, it is a
trip through a real safari. Mauritius is also home to a lot of endemic fauna.
One amongst these is the pink pigeon. Head to the Black River
Gorges Reserve, to spot the island's best known survivors, the pink pigeon.
You can also spot the green echo parakeets which were bred to save them from
extinction. To understand Mauritius' fauna better enjoy an underwater voyage
with a submarine dive in the waters off the coast of Mauritius. Get a look at
native sea life as you descend more than 115 feet below the surface to explore
the wonders of the deep.
ISLAND HABITAT
AN OUTING WITH THE SEALS AND
WALLABIES
Region: Kangaroo Island
At Kangaroo Island, Australia, there's a lot that you
can experience. Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, diving, kayaking and
surfing and while, on land, food safaris, bushwalks and walking tours are some
of the best ways of exploring the region. Seal Bay sits just west of the Cape
Gantheaume Conservation Park along the south coast of Kangaroo
Island. The main draw of the area is the Seal Bay Conservation Park.
This seaside park is a great place to view the largest colony of Australian sea
lions and watch them play on the beach, bask in the sand and swim in the sea.
As name suggests Kangaroo Island is also one of the most reliable areas to see
kangaroos in South Australia. Head to Flinders Chase National Park to
spot kangaroos and its adorable cousins, the wallabies.
Compiled by Shireen Kanchwala
Shireen.Kanchwala@timesgroup.com
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