Weddings are often about planned perfection, but sometimes, the best adventures are the spontaneous ones. While in Jaipur for a family wedding in November 2024, my wife and I, both passionate wildlife enthusiasts, realised we were just a few hours away from Jawai, a place we’d dreamed of visiting. The lure of leopards and the promise of incredible birdwatching proved too strong to resist. We traded wedding finery for safari gear and embarked on a thrilling detour.
About Jawai
Jawai, a region in the Pali district of Rajasthan, is a captivating landscape of granite hills, scattered grasslands, and the Jawai River and the Jawai dam. This unique ecosystem is home to a thriving population of over 60 leopards, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond the elusive big cats, Jawai also boasts a rich diversity of birdlife.
The Leopards of Jawai
The leopards (Panthera pardus) of Jawai inhabit a landscape dominated by ancient granite hills, sculpted by time and weathering into a maze of caves, crevices, and rocky outcrops. These hills provide the perfect camouflage and vantage points for these elusive big cats. The caves offer shelter from the harsh sun and a safe haven for raising their young. Unlike leopards in some other regions (typically forests), those in Jawai are known for their diurnal activity, meaning they are often spotted during the day, basking in the sun on the rocks. This behaviour is likely an adaptation to the open, less densely forested terrain.
The leopards of Jawai share their habitat with the local Rabari community, who have a long history of coexisting with these big cats. This coexistence is a testament to both the Rabari’s understanding of nature and the leopard’s adaptability. However, conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the continued survival of these magnificent animals in the face of habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
While they are apex predators, Jawai’s leopards have a diverse diet, adapting to the available prey. They hunt smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles. Interestingly, they have also been known to prey on stray dogs and goats in the surrounding areas.
Birding at Jawai
While most of our time was dedicated to spotting leopards, we dedicated one morning to birdwatching in the Bera area, a region known for its diverse avian population. Among the birds we saw, here are some of the species of note:
Eurasian Kestrel
Eurasian Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) are known for their distinctive pointed wings and long tail, which help them manoeuver with precision. They primarily hunt small mammals like the Indian Desert Jird, rats, and mice, but also take insects, reptiles, and small birds. Their ability to hover allows them to pinpoint their target before diving down with incredible speed.
Common Babblers
The Common Babbler (Argya caudata) is a familiar sight across much of the Indian subcontinent in suitable habitats. Often seen in flocks, these lively birds are known for their constant chattering and social behaviour. Common Babblers are primarily insectivorous, foraging on the ground and in bushes for insects and other small invertebrates.
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Black Redstart
The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, attractive bird often seen in rocky areas, gardens, and even urban environments, particularly in the northern subcontinent. Males are particularly striking with their sooty black plumage, a vibrant red tail, and a distinctive white wing patch. Females and juveniles are more subtly colored, with grayish-brown plumage and a reddish tail that’s not as intense as the male’s. Black Redstarts are known for their habit of frequently quivering their tails, a behaviour that makes them quite noticeable. They are primarily insectivores, catching insects on the wing or gleaning them from the ground. They are winter migrants from China and Central Asia, usually seen in this region from late September to early April.
Barred Buttonquail
The Barred Buttonquail is a small, ground-dwelling bird that’s often overlooked due to its secretive nature and camouflage. These resident quail-like birds are found in grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands across parts of Asia. Unlike true quails, buttonquails have only three toes, lacking the hind toe. They are generally shy and prefer to run and hide rather than fly, making them difficult to spot. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.
Jawai – practical and inviting
Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer, an avid birdwatcher, or simply a nature lover seeking a unique getaway, Jawai has something to offer everyone. Its accessibility, combined with its incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, along with great Rajasthani food makes it a truly special destination. So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and head to Jawai. You’ll be amazed by what you discover.
