Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Amangarh Tiger Reserve (ATR) is a young tiger reserve in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. Spread over an area of 81 sq km, ATR was originally part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. After the creation of Uttarakhand in 2000, ATR was separated from its famous counterpart and remained in Uttar Pradesh. Despite being ecologically rich, ATRs have limited resources and tend to receive less attention and remain in the shadows than their neighboring protected areas.
I had the opportunity to volunteer for ATR’s tiger monitoring project. The project included camera capture to monitor the tiger population. I explored almost every corner of the reserve while setting up camera traps and conducting routine checks. What I discovered was a treasure trove of biodiversity that should be better recognized and protected. I saw many incredible sights, but none was as memorable as the story of the peacock.
A visit of curiosity
One day, my curiosity led me to visit the temple, or village, of Van Gujjar. The Van Gujjars are a nomadic forest-dwelling people who have lived in harmony with nature, tended livestock, and depended on the forest for their survival for generations. I had heard that the tea they offer to visitors is delicious, so I was curious to learn more about their lives. But little did I know that I was about to witness something truly amazing.
As I stood chatting with the Van Gujjars and sipping the tea they served me, my attention was drawn to a peacock resting in a nearby tree. I went outside the temple to click a photo of this peacock. The perched branch curved into a perfect U shape, as if nature had created a throne for this beautiful bird. But what happened next left me speechless. The peacock jumped down and came towards us, curious and fearless.
Most peacocks in the wild are wary of humans and keep a safe distance. But this person seemed playful and even friendly. It was as if they belonged there, not as wild creatures, but as part of Dera.
inside story
I asked the Van Gujjars about the peacock’s unusual behavior. What they told me was a story full of warmth and compassion.
Some time ago, the Van Gujjars found a peacock egg abandoned near the dera. With no mother in sight, they decided to give the egg a chance at life. They placed it under a chicken and hoped for the best. To my delight, the egg eventually hatched and a small peacock chick was born. The young peacocks were raised alongside chickens and grew up under their care until they were released into the wild to embrace a life of nature.
