Rare Mammal Encounters in Maharashtra
Even when I head out specifically to shoot birds, the forest has surprises. These are my lucky encounters with the elusive mammals of Maharashtra.
A thrilling encounter with an Indian Wolf in Bhigwan. It paused for just a moment to look back, allowing me to capture this wary and intelligent gaze.
A rare and exciting encounter with a Striped Hyena. Its curious expression and striking stripes made for a powerful photograph, a testament to the surprising biodiversity you can find if you are patient.
A tender moment between a Rhesus Macaque mother and her newborn. This image captures the universal bond of motherhood in the animal kingdom.
A Jungle Cat caught in the darkness, its eyes glowing in the light. A thrilling nocturnal sighting that gets the heart racing.
Another frame of the Jungle Cat, this time with a different light setting, highlighting its silhouette and shadow.
Yes, it's a Golden Jackal, known as 'Kolha' in Marathi, spotted right here in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A reminder that wildlife is closer than we think.
An interesting interaction where a Black Drongo bird hitches a ride on the back of a Chinkara, or Indian Gazelle.
A ghostly appearance of a Jungle Cat in the bushes at night. Its glowing eyes are the first thing you see in the darkness.
About Rare Mammal Encounters
Getting these shots of a Jungle Cat or a wary wolf isn't about rushing into the forest. It is about being invisible. These animals are masters of camouflage, so I spend hours sitting perfectly still, often in low light or near dense scrub, waiting for them to reveal themselves. Most of these images were taken using a long lens from a distance to ensure I don't disturb their natural behaviour.
Wildlife photography is rarely about the action you see. It is about the hours of silence before the action happens. While birds are my main focus, the Maharashtra landscape is full of hidden wildlife like the Indian Wolf, the Striped Hyena, and the stealthy Jungle Cat.
The Ethics of the Encounter
I believe in ethical wildlife photography. Whether I am shooting with my Nikon Z9 or my D7500, my priority is the animal, not the shot. I never use bait to lure animals out, and I keep a respectful distance. This is why you will see many of these shots were taken in low light or are silhouettes; I would rather have a grainy, authentic moment than disturb a creature in its habitat.
Where the Magic Happens
Most of these sightings happened in locations like Bhigwan, which is famous for its birds but hides a rich variety of mammals if you know where to look. From the glowing eyes of a jungle cat in the dark to a jackal crossing a field, these encounters are a testament to the biodiversity we still have in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and beyond. If you are interested in wildlife spotting or learning how to capture these shy animals without alerting them, join me on one of my field mentorship sessions. We can head out to these hotspots, practice our patience, and learn how to handle gear in challenging lighting conditions.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
64
Raw Wildlife Photography & Animal Portraits
6
Wildlife Photography and Nature Encounters
14
Wildlife Photography and Rare Species Documentation
12
Jungle Encounters: Mammals of the Forest Photography
12
Wildlife Photography: Capturing Raw Animal Instincts in Mumbai
7
Wildlife Photography Beyond Birds: Capturing Hidden Creatures
More from Wildlife & Nature Photography by Aashish Patil
More services by Aashish Patil