Survival in a jungle depends on a single most important factor which is keep travelling.
You may be lucky to have a machete, compass, first aid box, sturdy pair of shoes, hammock and a mosquito net.
To find one’s way out of the jungle, one should seek the one that is safest and which offers the least resistance.
The path which offers the least resistance is the waterway. Search for a stream and travel downstream.
Remember to prepare signals for the rescue party.
On the other hand, a ridge has sparse vegetation and less number of streams to cross than a valley.
A ridge can serve as a guide and give one an opportunity of a higher vantage point.
A jungle can engulf you, so remember not to focus on the immediate environment.
This means to say, do not focus on the the immediate trees and bushes in front of you, but focus at the perimeter.
Which means to say look through the jungle.
One must stop occasionally and stoop to look at the jungle floor.
Once you are aware of your environment, chances are that you will avoid getting scratches and bruises.
In case you are avoiding your kidnappers / terrorists, avoid trails or paths frequently used for the terrorists / kidnappers are most likely to watch those trails.
Watch out for disturbed bushes / trees / jungle floors as the kidnappers / terrorists / poachers may have set up pitfalls and traps for wild game.
You do not want to be caught in a poacher’s trap.
Advisor, Corporate Risks
Assistant Professor, MBA Competitive Intelligence & Corporate Warfare program