Pune: Buffer zones of national parks often become hotspots for wildlife sightings during monsoon safaris, offering a unique and thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts. Unlike core zones, which may be closed during rains, buffer areas remain accessible and teem with activity as animals venture closer to the edges in search of food and shelter. “We went for a buffer zone safari on the Maharashtra side of Pench National Park last month. It was a great experience because the jungle was lush green and we could see some good wildlife,” said Reema Khatri, a resident of Aundh.Lush greenery, replenished water sources, and fewer tourists create an ideal setting for spotting tigers, leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. “The monsoon really transforms the forests and it is a pleasure to visit buffer zones during the off-season. Photographs taken during the monsoon are completely different from those taken during the regular tourist season,” said Arif Zariwala, a photographer.In Maharashtra, the Tadoba buffer zones, the Maharashtra side of Pench buffer zone, and even Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary are gaining prominence among tourists this monsoon. “The population of tigers in the core areas has expanded and now many have settled with their cubs in the buffer zone. There is also an internal migration pattern during the monsoon due to rich grazing grounds for herds of deer,” said Saurabh Thakekar, co-founder and wildlife expert, Nature Explorers India.Sanjay Mankar, a veteran forest guide at Tadoba National Park, said that they do get a lot of tourists on the weekends for buffer zone safaris during the monsoon. “The forest is very active in the monsoon. Animals don’t know the difference between core and buffer zones, so they cross over and sightings are good,” he said.The core zone of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary remains closed during the monsoons, but guides operate buffer zone night safaris. “The buffer zone area is bursting with wildlife. While a leopard is difficult to spot in the monsoon, the bison, sloth bear, and barking deer are easily visible,” said Raj Rathod, a forest guide in Koyna.However, there are a certain number of challenges associated with wildlife safaris during the monsoon. “Sometimes certain roads in the buffer zones are shut due to heavy rainfall, so some portions become inaccessible for vehicles. Forest officials are aware of tiger movements, so they know which buffer zone to visit at the national park,” said Navneet Singh, a resident of Hadapsar.
