Sambar
by grets
The Sambar is the most widespread spread deer species in the world, covering sevral Asian countries.
It is also one of the largest members of the deer family, with males being able to attain weights up to 300 kg and can grow to a height of up to 150 cms at the shoulders. The males have antlers nearly 100 cm long, and life expectancy is up to 20 years. The sambar are the main prey of the tiger, and he can feed for four days from a large deer.
Sacred langurs
by grets
The Hanuman langur is sacred to the Indians. They are named after the Hindu monkey-god Hanuman, who, according to legend, fought to rescue a woman and to escape was forced to burn down the village. The black hands and faces of these langurs are thought to be the result of the fire the monkey-god was trapped in. Because of this legend, the Hanuman Langur is the sacred monkey of India and therefore not preyed upon by humans.
Ranthambore Fort # 8
by grets
At this shrine half way up the steps to the fort, devotees leave food offerings to Ganesha, which in fact are then eaten by the resident sacred langurs.
I spent some time sitting opposite this shrine on my own, and became quite a tourist attraction myself. Local boys would come up to me to practice their English, or just stand and stare. People would join me on the wall and chat away to me in their local language, completely oblivious to the fact that I couldn't understand a word. A holy man came up and blessed me, lads wanted to try out my binoculars and young girls would just point and giggle. Quite an experience!
Sarus Crane
by grets
Latin name: Grus antigone
Mainly found in cultivated and well-watered areas, this one was seen in a field by the side of the railway line. It is a large bird, growing to a maximum size of 156 cm.