The world of wildlife and nature tourism has many human stakeholders in various formats. I have already written an elaborate blog on the same a few years ago. One of the many key profiles amongst them is that of a Naturalist. The naturalist profile is often confused with that of a nature guide and a local forest guide. I have even experienced educated Indians saying, why should I pay more for a Naturalist/ Professional Nature guide when I already have a local safari guide whereas and International guests always want to have a Naturalist tagged along the entire trip.
So that is what triggered me to write this blog. Let us try to understand the key differences among these profils, understand how to identify them and why pay for their extra service.
Local guide: He is a person who has vast knowledge of local flora and fauna. They are well aware of local topography and pugdundee, and water bodies. However, their knowledge is limited to the specific geography only. They are essential locals with information about the routes and tracks.
Naturalist / Nature Guide: They are the same. Expert storyteller and master at creating a transformational experience for guests. Their focus is on living the moment and not on information download. Generally, assumed to be extroverted, they are at least great at communication and passionate about nature. They are the spot boys in the theatre of nature. They reveal the natural world in light of the moment based on scientific information about the mammal, bird, tree, insect, whatever. They are not only well versed with local flora and fauna but have wider understanding of wildlife, forest, topography, geography, etc but also a stop solution to all queries of the guest.
Many parks and resorts use Naturalist and Nature Guides as a term to indicate someone who manages the guests from arrival to the venue till departure. Madhya Pradesh is at the forefront of these services, where they are not guides/naturalist but also allowed to drive the guests in the park. As a principle, Nature Guides/naturalists work closely with park drivers and guides to deliver an enthralling experience to the guests. There is another profile, I think that is worth mentioning which is Biologist.
A biologist typically means someone with extremely strong knowledge of all forms of living beings present in that park. Generally, a qualified Biologist/Zoologist etc., these are people who will spend a lot of time doing observation and scientific research and bring new insights for the world to see. They generally go to the minutest details of a specific subject and are generally associated with NGO’s, Forest Departments, Educational institutes, etc.
Coming back to the important question of how to identify a naturalist. The easiest way to identify a naturalist/nature guide is with his tools.
The backpack typically contains tools and resources for observing, identifying, and documenting the natural world. Depending on the naturalist’s focus and the environment, other items like butterfly nets, plant presses, and specialised equipment like bottle to keep insect speciement etc may also be included. The essential tools are listed below:
- Field Guides: Books or pamphlets with information about plants, animals, insects, or other natural elements in the area.
- Journal and Pen/Pencil: For recording observations, sketches, and notes about what is seen.
- Binoculars: To see distant wildlife/bird or details not easily visible with the naked eye. No bino no naturalist 🙂
- Photo Camera or video camera: For documenting findings and capturing images for later identification or study.
- Containers: Small containers like plastic bags, jars, or film canisters for collecting small specimens (e.g., insects, leaves).
- Magnifying Glass: To examine small details of plants, insects, or other natural objects.
- Pocket Knife: A multi-tool can be useful for various tasks like turning a leaf
- Tweezers: Useful for handling delicate specimens or removing splinters.
- Portable torch/lights: To be used in low light and dark
- First Aid Kit: A basic kit to handle minor injuries or illnesses encountered in the field.
- Portable Plant Press: For pressing and preserving plant specimens.
- Butterfly Net: For catching and observing insects.
- Bandana: Can be used for first aid, signaling, or as a makeshift sling.
- Measuring Tape/scales: For measuring plant heights or animal sizes.
- Compass and Map: If venturing into unfamiliar terrains.
- Snacks and Water: To stay hydrated and fueled during the exploration.
- Hand Sanitizer: To maintain hygiene in the field.
- Emergency Blanket/Poncho/Windcheater: For unexpected weather changes.
- Dress: Trouser and shirt with jacket with multiple pockets
- Bamboo stick: Thick and solid, atleast 4 feet long for handling extreme situations or self defense.
So Next time you want to explore forest/nature in most apt manner, carry as many tools as possible.
How to use them, will write about that in next blog 🙂
Coming back to the most important point, why should you hire a professional naturalist on your next jungle safari trip? The simplest answer is their ability to tell you stories about what is happening, here and now & then correlate the current happenings with experience from the past and other landscapes too. You go on tour with nature guides, not just for information, which is easily googled. You hire a naturalist for that little extra topping of experience. You can hire a naturalist from the lodges where you are staying, or hire a professional, trained freelance naturalist who will lead you not just in that one park, but tag along with you across all parks you want to go to and deliver that customised transformational experience of the landscape right from your arrival till your departure.