Satpura Tiger Reserve, is the most rich reserve in biodiversity in the central part of India. Now it is the peak of summer here. Satpura is a mix of deciduous forest and spreads approx 2100 Sqkm. In the plains and low hills, we can see teak forests that look like leafless dead trees standing together. Meadows are lifeless, all grasses were dried a few months before, rivers stopped flowing and all water bodies are restricted. Herbivores are losing their weight due to lack of green leaves, carnivores are also facing challenges catching prey because of dry leaves and long visibility, birds are also waiting with tired and open beaks, forest officials are busy patrolling and monitoring to prevent forest fires. It seems like everyone is waiting for the monsoon.
Southern high hill areas are quite comfortable and still green because of evergreen saal trees, some local tribal peoples are quite busy collecting some woods and saal leaves to make proper all outer shades of their pukka houses.
North and Western plains of Satpura are still dry, life becomes more difficult here but most intelligent trees have already started growing their new leaves. River Denwa restarts its flow with the message of monsoon’s arrival from the southern high hill to northern plains and farmers increased speed of their wheat harvesting. Once again, many fish and aqua species start their movement for mating. It might be night time when the monsoon in satpura arrives here with its magical smell of wheated soil, but you will not miss the smell of soil if your windows are open to welcome the humid fresh air of rain.
After the monsoon appears, the temperature becomes comfortable, the forest becomes abundant in greenery and trees. Trees start photosynthesis in full fledged to recover their lost energy in summer, everywhere insects call. Many insect’s eggs were waiting to be fertilized in rain water when they started to arrive. Some birds are busy mating and some are enjoying the many insects they prey on for food. Frogs come out to catch insects and mate, snakes are busy frog hunting. Mammals are once again wiring their monsoon coat of fur, and some herbivores are busy giving birth to their newborn babies and carnivores are finding scope to gather easy prey – those new born babies. Butterflies announce their presence when raiding flowers to drink nectar and initiating pollination. Many fungi raise their heads and inform the jungle of the season. Join us in the beautiful tapestry of the monsoon in satpura forest and explore this magical moment with Forsyth Lodge.
Recent Comments