Passionate about wildlife and nature, Shanmuga Kumar specialises in providing exceptional guest experiences at Kabini through vehicle and boat safaris, nature walks, and night trails. He enjoys crafting personalised itineraries, conducting cultural presentations, and showcasing my wildlife photography skills. With a focus on responsible tourism, he leads educational tours of eco-friendly facilities and engages guests in thrilling elephant interactions. He also documents daily wildlife sightings, creates blog articles, and shares my photographic insights. Dedicated to training naturalists, I aim to enhance guest experiences while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world around us.

Since World Forest Day is on March 21, and tigers form a key part of India’s forests and maintaining their ecological balance – in this interview with Shanmuga Kumar, we focus on forests, tigers, wildlife and ecological balance.

Excerpts from an interview

What makes tigers the special animals that they are?

Tigers have unique stripe patterns, similar to human fingerprints, and are the largest cats, with males weighing up to 670 pounds (304 kg). They possess excellent night vision due to a reflective layer in their eyes. Typically solitary, tigers roam large territories of 9 to 11 square kilometres, As apex predators, they use stealth and strength to hunt, while female tigers are devoted mothers to their cubs. Tigers are crucial to their ecosystems, influencing prey populations and maintaining forest structure. Culturally, they symbolise power and beauty, serving as national emblems in India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, and inspire conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

How can tiger conservation efforts be boosted in India?

To enhance tiger conservation in India, a comprehensive approach is essential. Initiatives like Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, focus on habitat protection and population monitoring through the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Engaging local communities is crucial to mitigate human-tiger conflicts, utilising education and job creation. Promoting public awareness through wildlife expeditions, documentaries, and social media plays a significant role in tiger protection. Additionally, international cooperation with nations like Nepal and China addresses illegal wildlife trade and conservation. Effective habitat management includes restoring ecosystems and maintaining prey availability, ensuring a secure future for India's tigers.

What are the threats faced by wildlife in India at large?

Wildlife in India faces critical threats from human activities. Habitat destruction, caused by urban development and agriculture, leads to isolated animal populations and decreased genetic diversity. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade endangered species like rhinos and elephants, fueling one of the largest criminal enterprises globally. Pollution from plastics and chemicals further contaminates ecosystems, while climate change disrupts biodiversity through rising temperatures and altered weather patterns. Increased human-wildlife conflict arises as settlements expand into natural habitats. To combat these threats, robust conservation efforts are essential, focusing on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, pollution reduction, and sustainable development practices.

What are three ways in which city dwellers can save wildlife?

To protect wildlife, especially marine species, it’s crucial to minimise single-use plastic, promote reusability, and engage in recycling. Transform urban areas into wildlife-friendly habitats by planting native species, installing birdhouses, and creating water sources like birdbaths. Stay informed about conservation issues and support reputable organisations through donations, volunteering for cleanup efforts, and raising awareness on social media. Incorporate wildlife education in schools by promoting workshops, encouraging youth participation in organised wildlife tours, and facilitating activities that foster a deeper understanding of local ecosystems. Together, these actions can significantly benefit wildlife and enhance our natural environments.

Tell us about a touching experience with wildlife that you had personally?

On March 23, 2014, I led a birding group on a boat safari, spotting about 60 species in the morning. After setting a challenging goal of 70 for the afternoon, we exceeded it with 73 species. While observing playful otters and various birds of prey, a splashing noise led us to a massive tiger resting in the water. I excitedly shouted, "Tiger! Tiger!" but to my surprise, the guests preferred to stay in place, valuing the birds over the tiger. Their laughter later revealed that witnessing the eagles was a rare experience, teaching me that focus matters more than the obvious.

As a naturalist, what are some impacts of climate change that you have witnessed on the lives of wildlife?

As the years go by, rising temperatures significantly impact local wildlife. In 2024, summer rains arrived late, delaying the blooming of trees and the appearance of Emigrant butterflies in Kabini, typically seen from April to October. Monsoon rains struck from late June to mid-October, with additional rainfall until December, disrupting the jungle's natural cycles. The endemic Bi-coloured frog's eggs, usually laid along the riverbanks, were affected, resulting in fewer long-legged birds visiting. From 2017 to 2023, excessive rainfall caused many tree falls due to soil erosion, particularly in the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where dry deciduous trees struggle against extreme weather conditions.

How can one study to be a naturalist and live closer to nature?

To become a naturalist and live closer to nature, pursue a formal education in biology, ecology, or related fields, and consider advanced degrees for specialised knowledge. Engage in online courses, attend workshops, volunteer with conservation organisations, and participate in citizen science projects. Spend time outdoors, develop outdoor skills, and keep a naturalist's journal to enhance your connection with nature. Join a community of naturalists and read relevant books and field guides. With dedication and practical experiences, you can become a knowledgeable and effective naturalist. Evolve Back Resorts offers a certified naturalist boot camp for aspiring professionals.

What are the best destinations for understanding more about wildlife?

In the heart of Africa, a traveler witnesses the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, where lions roam freely. Journeying to the Serengeti, they marvel at the wildlife and then drift through Botswana's Okavango Delta, spotting elephants by the water. In Asia, the thrill of glimpsing a Bengal tiger in Ranthambore and laughing at playful orangutans in Borneo captivates their soul. The Amazon’s vibrant biodiversity enchants, while the glaciers of Yellowstone reveal grizzly bears. Each destination is a tapestry of life, with every encounter a story waiting to be told. Adventures unfold across continents, leaving lasting memories.

What does your job as a naturalist entail?

I lead engaging safaris, immersive nature walks, and thrilling night trails at Kabini, creating unforgettable wildlife experiences. I manage check-ins, tailor itineraries for guests, and compile detailed reports. My presentations on cultural dances and wildlife, along with stargazing sessions and tribal village visits, enhance guest enjoyment. I host elephant interactions and oversee operations while ensuring guest needs are met. Through "Jungle Tales," I offer captivating night walks to discover nocturnal creatures and train naturalists. My responsible tourism walks highlight essential facilities, while I diligently document wildlife sightings to support conservation efforts.