Ajgar Dadar Preserving Pythons

Preserving Pythons? Yes, you read it right!

Recently,  we visited Kakaiya village 30 kms from Kanha National Park. The villagers in association with the forest department have taken a unique initiative to protect and preserve the Indian Rock Pythons found in the rocky area. The preservation area is called Ajgar Dadar.

What is Ajgar Dadar? 

• A barren, rocky area with many holes that form chambers for the pythons. 
• The name "Ajgar Dadar" is a Hindi word that means "meadow plain for pythons"
• A place to see pythons of all sizes, from small to large

In a small patch less than half a km long, there are more than 30 holes or chambers where hundreds of rock Pythons live in their natural habitat. Pythons as we know are very sensitive to any movement or vibration on earth's surface around them. As visitors,  if we tread slowly without making any noise, we can observe the Pythons from close proximity. However, we three were followed by a noisy group. As a result, the Pythons sensed our presence and disappeared  into their rocky underground holes.

Despite the noisy group, we were able to take a few pictures and videos. Sharing below for you you to get a 'real' feel.

The area has been fenced by the village forest committee of Kakaiya village. A laudable initiative of the villagers.

The visitors can view the pythons and their holes from the fenced enclosure.

A close up of one of the pythons sighted follows.

Python homes or crevices in the rocks are serially numbered. See the hole number 3 in the picture below:

Another close up of the python sunning itself. 

See the short video clip below

Here is another clip showing the rocks and crevices which have been numbered. The python can be seen in the upper part of the screen gradually slithering from left to right.

So next time you visit Kanha, remember it is also home to hundreds of Indian Rock Pythons.

Here are the three nature lovers who had a taste of Ajgar Dadar. From R to L: Manik, CP and Ghumakkad.

More stories from Pench and Kanha coming soon.

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   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with CP and Manik / Kanha/ 16th Jan 2025

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