On the dhole trail
MURALIDHARA KHAJANE
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Wildlife photographers Krupakar-Senani's `Wild Dog Diaries' won applause from the scientific circle.
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Photos: M.A.SRIRAM
ON A MISSION: The dhole pack.
Not many would have heard of the dhole (Cuon alpinus). It is a species of wild dog, a predator, which lives in a highly social pack. Though threatened with extinction, it has received very little attention. A documentary has now brought it into the focus of nature-lovers and even wildlife biologists, thanks to Krupakar-Senani, wildlife photographers, who have produced `Wild Dog Diaries' that narrates the struggles of the dhole. This 47-minute internationally-acclaimed film was made for the National Geographic Channel International.
The treatment meted out to the dhole by the wildlife authorities forced Krupakar-Senani, to make the film. (The dhole is being classified by the World Conservation Union as `endangered.')
The photographers dedicated over 10 years to make this film. Their effort has received international acclaim, besides being screened in over 100 countries. Krupkar-Senani's wildlife photographs have also been published in famed international magazines such as People, London Times, Nature America and the BBC Wild life.
`Wild Dog Diaries' was recently screened in India for the first time at the Vanaranga open-air theatre of Rangayana, Mysore, and captivated the audience. The Mysore Film Society arranged the screening.
Krupakar (left) and Senani, wildlife photographers.
It is a hair-raising and action-packed account of a fascinating hunter of the Indian forests. Kripakar, a filmmaker, is paying for man's historical folly of driving this species to near extinction. When all his scientific learning cannot bridge the mistrust between him and his elusive subject, he turns to Bomma, a tribal, for help. What follows is a rare synergy, where wisdom complements modern learning, culminating in unveiling one of the most mysterious predators.
The film is a treat. Natural sounds have been used effectively to create the mood. For example, the eerie feeling in a bamboo forest has been created by the sound of the creaking branches.
Krupakar-Senani say they did the film to sensitise society on the hapless state of wild dogs.
Neither has formal training in film production, marketing or direction, but they have learnt it over time. They mobilised resources by selling their precious belongings and moving to Bandipur.
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