Conservation Biologist @tigerwatch.net
Ranthambhore
Joined June 2009
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We are pleased to announce a new species, Mesalina bishnoi, from the Thar Desert landscape of Bikaner, Rajasthan.
We had planned to visit the Gajner forest area in Bikaner and contacted the local DCF, Shri Sandeep Chhalani ji, who kindly arranged for a forest guard to accompany us. However, before even reaching the forest area, we stopped at a small roadside shop for tea and water. Quite unexpectedly, we noticed a small lizard there.Today, after detailed examination and taxonomic work by the ZSI team, it has been established as a new species — something about which even we were initially sceptical regarding its identity. Vivek Sharma contributed at every stage of the work, and special thanks to him for taking the effort forward and ensuring that the species was properly identified.
By naming this species in honour of the Bishnoi community of north-western India, we recognise and celebrate the enduring environmental stewardship of the Bishnoi people and their remarkable contribution to the conservation of wildlife and nature in their region.
Launch of “Project Caracal” in the Greater Ranthambhore Landscape
“Project Caracal” was formally launched today in the Greater Ranthambhore landscape for the conservation of the endangered small cat species, the caracal. On this occasion, a workshop on the theme “Conservation of Caracal in Rajasthan” was held by the Wildlife Institute of India–SACON (WII-SACON) in collaboration with Tiger Watch and the Rajasthan Forest Department.
During the workshop, detailed discussions took place on the current status of the caracal, and available scientific data on the species, in particular, its reported distribution, behavior, and habitat . The key objectives, methodology, and timeline of the project were also shared. Experts emphasized that the caracal is an important yet little-known and highly threatened predator of Rajasthan’s arid and semi-arid landscapes, and that its conservation urgently requires coordinated scientific efforts.
Dr. Shomita Mukherjee, Principal Scientist (WII-SACON) is leading the project as Project Investigator. Co- Investigators include Dr. Dharmendra Khandal, Executive Director (Tiger Watch), and Dr. Ayan Sadhu, Scientist (NTCA-WII). The project team was also formally introduced during the workshop.
The chief guest of the program was Dr. G. S. Bhardwaj, Director, Wildlife Institute of India, and the guest of honor was Mr. K. C. A. Arun Prasad, Principal Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan. Field Directors from Ranthambhore, Ramgarh Vishdhari, Mukundra, and Sariska Tiger Reserves, along with the Deputy Conservators/Deputy Directors from all tiger reserves, members of the State Wildlife Board, and other stakeholders were also present on the occasion.
The workshop concluded with a consensus that scientific research, field monitoring, community participation, and institutional coordination are essential for caracal conservation in the state. Through “Project Caracal,” a critical step has been taken towards a structured and long-term initiative for the conservation of this rare species in the Greater Ranthambhore landscape.
This is our friend Dr. Vishwajeet Singh Akhawat, a Research Associate at the Vivekananda International Foundation, where he focuses on West Asia. Vishwajeet Singh Akhawat, who hails from Pali, Rajasthan, has provided a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of the Iran–US conflict. Those following the developments in the region can gain a much better understanding from his work. I am glad to see how clearly he has explained many aspects of this complex issue. youtube.com/watch?v=tUrJHeW7…
dharmendra khandal retweeted
Gujarat sees a GIB chick after a decade, through a novel conservation measure - the jumpstart approach, coordinated by the Ministry, State Forest Departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Wildlife Institute of India.
Envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji in 2011 to conserve GIB in its natural habitats including Gujrat, Project GIB was launched in 2016.
As a result the number of birds in conservation breeding centres, started at Sam and Ramdevra in Rajasthan, have reached 73 with addition of 5 new chicks in this season and we are moving ahead towards rewilding of birds in near future.
In achieving another milestone, a female GIB, tagged in August 2025, had laid an infertile egg in Kutch, as this population has lost all its males long back. In a major trans-state conservation effort, a captive-bred GIB egg from the conservation breeding program in Rajasthan was transported by road over 19 hours in a handheld portable incubator and was replaced in the nest on 22 March.
The female completed incubating this fertile egg and hatched it on March 26. The field monitoring team found the young chick being reared by its foster mother.
This effort is among one of the many steps to recover the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard populations.
With the commitment to save GIB, we are making great progress in India’s conservation journey.
Congratulations to all scientists, field officers and wildlife enthusiasts who made this possible.
We are keeping our fingers crossed for the survival of the chick. At the same time we remain committed to leaving no stone unturned to make the endeavour successful.
🎥 The GIB takes a stroll with her chick.
For the past several months, a Grey Heron had built its nest and was raising two chicks in it. The tree on which the nest was built leaned towards the water’s edge. Because of this, it often appeared as if the nest was quite low to the ground, whereas in reality it was far out over the water, built on thin branches, with crocodile-filled water below.
Remarkably, the heron had raised its chicks to such a stage that they were just a few days away from being able to fly.
In the meantime, a young tigress, T-2504, managed to reach the nest by moving carefully along the thin branches. She killed one chick and consumed it there, while a portion of it fell into the water. As soon as it fell, crocodiles became active and began moving toward it.
The tigress then advanced along another thin branch to catch the second chick, but she lost her balance and fell into the water. In the commotion, the second chick also fell into the water.
With the crocodiles becoming increasingly active, the tigress quickly climbed out of the water and noticed the second chick trying to reach the bank. She rushed towards it and captured it as well. Thus, both chicks were killed.
It is likely that the tigress obtained around 1 kilogram of food in total.
हमारे वन्य जीव और प्रकृति प्रेमी महारावल श्रीमन्त चैतन्य जी अपील कर रहे है..... ध्यान से पढ़ो
कैरेकल (सियागोश) एक दुर्लभ और अत्यंत संवेदनशील जंगली बिल्ली की प्रजाति है, जो भारत में बहुत सीमित क्षेत्रों में ही देखने को मिलती है। यह सकारात्मक संकेत है कि जैसलमेर जिला कैरेकल (caracal) के प्राकृतिक आवास के रूप में उभर रहा है और यहां इसके लगातार मूवमेंट की खबरें मिल रही हैं।
हाल ही में जैसलमेर के शाहगढ़ क्षेत्र से इस दुर्लभ वन्यजीव को पशुपालकों द्वारा मारकर जलाने की दुखद सूचना सामने आई, जो न केवल चिंताजनक है बल्कि स्थानीय लोगों में जागरूकता की कमी को भी दर्शाती है।
कैरेकल स्वभाव से शर्मीला और एकांतप्रिय जीव होता है, लेकिन कभी-कभी यह छोटे पशुओं पर हमला कर देता है, जिससे पशुपालकों में भय का वातावरण बन जाता है। अधिकांश मामलों में यह भय जानकारी के अभाव के कारण होता है, जिससे शाहगढ़ जैसी दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना कारित होती है।
ऐसे में आवश्यक है कि वन विभाग और प्रशासन ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में व्यापक स्तर पर जागरूकता अभियान चलाएं। ग्रामीणों और पशुपालकों को कैरेकल के व्यवहार, महत्व और संरक्षण के बारे में सही जानकारी दी जाए, ताकि वे इसे खतरे के बजाय प्रकृति की धरोहर के रूप में देखें। यदि लोगों तक सही जानकारी पहुंचेगी, तो वे ऐसे वन्यजीवों को नुकसान पहुंचाने के बजाय तुरंत वन विभाग को सूचना देंगे।
सोशल मीडिया, वीडियो और डॉक्यूमेंट्री के माध्यम से भी आमजन में जागरूकता फैलाना आज की आवश्यकता है।
दुर्लभ वन्यजीवों का संरक्षण केवल सरकार की जिम्मेदारी नहीं, बल्कि हम सभी का साझा दायित्व है। वन विभाग और स्थानीय समुदाय के बीच बेहतर समन्वय से ही कैरेकल जैसे अनमोल जीवों को बचा सकते हैं और अपनी जैव विविधता को सुरक्षित रख सकते हैं।
Photo : Dharmendra khandal
The death of Ali Khamenei would be good for the world. He suppressed the aspirations of his own people and promoted a rigid and dangerous ideological path. Efforts to develop nuclear weapons under such extremist leadership pose serious risks, and the world must remain vigilant about allowing such power to fall into the hands of fanatic regimes. At times, strong positions taken by leaders such as Donald Trump have challenged such forces.
Our strategic partner Israel is also taking a firm stand. It is also notable that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained silent rather than issuing a symbolic message. Such decisive approaches are important to keep the world safe. Well done to the United States and Israel for taking a clear stand.
dharmendra khandal retweeted
Sharing glimpses from this winter’s outreach, the Prabha Khaitan Foundation distributed blankets to the needy in Ranthambore, with the support of Dharmendra Khandal from Tiger Watch and Ehsaas Woman of Ranthambore, Divya Khandal.
@watch_tiger @dharmkhandal @DivyaKhandal
Our book on Ranthambhore was officially launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, in the presence of Sawai Madhopur Collector Shri Kanaram.
This government-published volume presents a comprehensive documentation of the Ranthambhore region — covering its rich history, magnificent monuments, diverse wildlife, and vibrant art and craft traditions. The book aims to bring together the natural and cultural heritage of this unique landscape in a single authentic reference.
The publication is available for purchase at the Tourism Office, Sawai Madhopur.
Grateful to Warren Pereira for recording and sharing this rare interview with Valmik Thapar. His words are deeply meaningful to me, and this recording is truly invaluable — one that will continue to inspire and support me in my work.
More power to Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal for their courage and resilience. Your fight stands for dignity, justice, and hope. We truly hope you win this battle and achieve your rightful goals.
A tiger killed an adult male sambar at Malik Lake and was feeding on the carcass. During this time, another group of sambar deer approached the water. When a fawn came directly within striking distance, the tiger made a second successful hunt.Tigers are not greedy hunters but they will take an opportunity when prey comes straight to them. In the wild, survival follows instinct, not intention.
dharmendra khandal retweeted
A male Caracal was successfully radio-collared and released in Village Gotaru, Shahgarh Gram Panchayat, Jaisalmer district last night.
The expert team from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was part of this important exercise, strengthening efforts to monitor and protect this elusive species.
Someone shared this with me and claims that it was rescued by the Forest Department from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Double hold: A bird in the hand and the same one in the mouth. Better than two in the bush. #BetterThanTwoInTheBush #Tiger #WildWisdom #NatureLogic
#PredatorPrecision #SurvivalInstinct #JungleTruth
#WildlifePhotography #LifeInTheWild #NaturalSelection
Last night’s event was incredibly warm and personal. Kairav created a beautiful opportunity for many old friends to reconnect once again. Veteran wildlife lovers, great photographers, and legends of the conservation world were all present, making it truly special. Raihan Vadra curated the photo exhibition from the book with great care and sensitivity, and the overall presentation was simply outstanding.
And what can I say about the book by Valmik and Kairav. The production quality is extraordinary. The way they brought together images from so many people in this farewell book gave everyone a chance to remember, reconnect, and relive those moments deeply. It felt like a collective memory woven together with love, respect, and gratitude.
Anisha has put in a phenomenal amount of hard work in designing this two-volume, 700-page book. The presence of Jaisal and Anjali added great grace to the evening. Sanjana brought a warmth and personal touch that felt deeply genuine and heartfelt.
Valmik will be missed always, not just for this event but for everything he stood for. Yet he continues to live on with us through his books. Let us cherish them.
