Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh holds one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Asia. Tracking tigers in sal forest terrain relies heavily on listening to prey alarm vocalizations rather than random driving.
1. Hanuman Langur Alarm Calls
Langur monkeys inhabit high tree branches, granting them a bird's-eye view of moving predators. Their sharp "khokk-khokk" bark signals a tiger walking directly beneath the forest canopy.
2. Sambar Deer & Spotted Deer (Chital) Alerts
A high-pitched, metallic "dhonk" call from a Sambar deer indicates a crouching or stalking tiger nearby. When multiple deer face the exact same thicket while stamping their hooves, a tiger visual is imminent.
3. Reading Pugmarks in Sandy Riverbeds
Fresh tiger tracks (pugmarks) are identifiable by crisp edges in damp sand. Comparing front paw width allows naturalists to differentiate between territorial males and females with cubs.