Sanjay Kumar IAS

Spotted deer & langur are bossom friends, both look out for each others back. Besides keeping eye on predators from tree top, langurs are casual foragers & so drop lots of fresh twigs for deer to eat. Deer have excellent sense of smell. @ntca_india @DudhwaTR @rameshpandeyifs

An Elephant family with calves graze in vast grassland of Dhikala in Corbett TR. Elephant family is led to the best feeding sites, safe area with water availability by the most experienced matriarch. Everyone follows her command. @ntca_india @UTDBofficial @rameshpandeyifs

Smooth coated Otters have scent glands near their tails that produce a musky secretion, which they deposit along with their urine & feces on prominent spots along riverbanks called sprainting, like above in Kishanpur WLS. @DudhwaTR @uptourismgov @rameshpandeyifs

Swamp francolin are very alert, shy & tend to fly away (short distance) or disappear in the tall grasses, at the slightest hint of presence of gypsy. These rare beauties of terai are listed as 'Vulnerable' in IUCN redlist. @uptourismgov @UpforestUp @moefcc @rameshpandeyifs

How stunning is my plumage and my dancing moves ? A Peacock showcases his gorgeous plumage to catch the eye of the peahens on bank of Padam lake in Ranthambore N.P @RanthambhoreTR @moefcc @touristInformer @rameshpandeyifs @wii_india @WWFINDIA

There are days when it's cooler, cloudy & the enamouring gentle breeze brings the tiger sit out in open. The tiger seems to relish the sweet two notes call of Indian Pitta in background ! @RanthambhoreTR @ntca_india @moefcc @rameshpandeyifs @WWFINDIA

The month of June is the fawning season for Swamp deer, & the fawns keep close to mums and are at ease in the swampy waters from day one. Here is a large herd of Swamp deer with many new fawns in Jhaddi lake in Kishanpur WLS, safe from tigers catch. @DudhwaTR @rameshpandeyifs

The female in heat usually moves a bit away from the herd with the dominant male for mating ritual. The herd is led by a matriarch and the dominan bull moves in and out of herd checking out females in oestrous. #dudhwa @ntca_india @DudhwaTR @rameshpandeyifs @WWFINDIA

Tiger on the hunt would analyse the spotted deer herd, allow them to come closer, walk stealthily to close gap, & surprise them with burst of speed. Difference between success & failure is just a fleeting second. @moefcc @ntca_india @RanthambhoreTR @rameshpandeyifs

Subadult male Elephants are full of energy & often get physical, pushing, shoving & engage in playfight with their powerful trunk, like the above in Dudhwa N.P. It's a way to test each others strength and agility & prepare for bigger battles ahead. @moefcc @rameshpandeyifs

Riddhi was on the move targeting the herd of spotted deer, before she was spotted & the herd fled to safety. As she marched with quick steps, she was duly escorted by a flock of peacocks. A harsh reality where tiger has to slog hard to catch a prey. @ntca_india @rameshpandeyifs

In middle of a tiger sighting near Rajbagh lake in Ranthambore N.P., I spotted a stand off between Eurasian Thicknee and Red- wattled lapwing, where animated thicknee finally drove off the lapwing intruding his territory. A Cute moment! @moefcc @RanthambhoreTR @rameshpandeyifs

Much needed very heavy downpour early morning in Lucknow. It looked like it's late evening with dark clouds, low light conditions and deluge all around. @LkoDevAuthority @uptourismgov @rameshpandeyifs

The sightings of Sambar deer is very uncommon in Kishanpur WLS. Here was one healthy male crossing path at first light, in month of late may with his new growing knob antlers. @DudhwaTR @moefcc @uptourismgov @rameshpandeyifs @UpforestUp @WWFINDIA

Chicks of Black-winged Stilt begin swimming lessons within few hours of hatching. Here is a newly hatched swimming with ease while others are in two minds at CG City wetland in Lucknow, while thrir parents encourage them. @moefcc @LkoDevAuthority @uptourismgov @WWFINDIA

There are days when rains begin to pour within 30 minutes of morning safari in Ranthambore & you have zero expectations. Suddenly an alarm call & subadult tiger is spotted on the move, even attempting hunt but in the pelting rain ! @ntca_india @RanthambhoreTR @rameshpandeyifs

During peak summer months, when temperatures soar & water bodies shrink, the generally solitary Greater one horned Rhinos tolerate each other for wallowing, like here in Amaha taal in Dudhwa N.P. @ntca_india @moefcc @uptourismgov @UpforestUp @rameshpandeyifs @WWFINDIA

The enchanting view of a royal tiger walking in the backdrop of Padam lake and the majestic ramparts of Ranthambore fort is a sight to savour. It's a Picture Postcard ! @RanthambhoreTR @ntca_india @moefcc @rameshpandeyifs @WWFINDIA @touristInformer

Swamp francolin are mainly brown with an orange throat & white-striped underparts. Favors wet, marshy habitats, so difficult to see in tall vegetation. The specie is listed as 'Vulnerable' in IUCN redlist. Can be spotted in Dudhwa TR. @DudhwaTR @uptourismgov @rameshpandeyifs

After patrolling her territory from Padam lake tigress Riddhi steals a quite moment with two of her subadults at edge of Rajbagh lake away from the cacophony of tourists. At sundown they marched together for hunting in the darkness of night. @RanthambhoreTR @rameshpandeyifs