The Hunt sequence of the Velvadar Wolf

[Shyamala Kumar]

The start of the hunt with the sighting of its prey which is herd of black bucks.

[Shyamala Kumar]

It does not seem to be this young male which makes a clean get away.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The focus seems to be a pair of young females.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The herd moves over a bund which seems to be a dead end for them.The Wolf brakes and makes a strategic U-turn to cut them off as they return.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The young bucks appear over the Bund

[Shyamala Kumar]

In desperate run for their lives.

[Shyamala Kumar]

A squence of the famous black buck leaps and bounds begin.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The famous black buck leaps called Pronging.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The black buck can easily achieve speeds of 80kmh

[Shyamala Kumar]

The leap of desperation.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The wolf is gaining steadily.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The prey has been isolated

[Shyamala Kumar]

The wolf in tremendous form.

[Shyamala Kumar]

Unbelievable stamina and power displayed by the wolf. Another male makes a lucky escape.

[Shyamala Kumar]

The drama is slowly moving towards a slight rise in the ground.The wolf in relentless leaps and bounds disappears in hot pursuit behind a flagging prey. He probably senses that his prey is tiring.

[Shyamala Kumar]

Unfortunately we are on the move when the actual kill takes place. Luckily the wolf moves closer to us carrying his kill.

[Shyamala Kumar]

He drops his kill to readjust his hold and get a better grip.

[Shyamala Kumar]

Tries to get a more effective grip.

[Shyamala Kumar]

Picks it up again with powerful ease.

[Shyamala Kumar]

And lopes off again towards a forest of Keekar trees

[Shyamala Kumar]

Disappears in a cloud of dust

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Rare photographic record of 'Running down the prey by cunning intelligence and endurance'*. The blackbuck can attain a speed upto 65 miles per hour
( sometime after initial leap) on a plain and open country while the wolf not over 35 miles per hour. By choice of place of attack with the ridge blocking one side, the advantage of sheer speed of the prey was totally eliminated by the predator.The wolf possibly brought down the prey by neck and throat bite. Amazing story......Thanks Madam Shyamala once more for sharing. SaktiWild

*Krishnan: The vanishing Wolf

[Shyamala Kumar]

Thank you Saktipadaji for your knowledgeable feedback.and appreciation.

[V S Sankar]

Great sequence of photos.Any wildlife enthusiast would have liked to encounter such a show down.Good job!

Regards

V S Sankar