Criss Crossing of Tigers

[Shyamala Kumar]

This male showing visible injury on his right back leg crossed over from the right some time later .It seemed to be in a tearing hurry and did not even give us a second look as it hurried into the jungle on the right..Unfortunately I could not get a head shot . Nikon 750+70-200 .1/500s ISO 200 .F/4.5 Kanha June 2021.

[Mrudul Godbole]

He looks quite young compared to the male from the earlier image. How long did you have to wait before you sighted this male? Lucky to sight two tigers in the same day. Thanks for sharing.

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Possibly could not match the fury of the bigger male. Injury mark on right hind leg is visible.
Thanks for sharing. SaktiWild

[Sabyasachi Patra]

The youngsters have to find a territory and survive before they can successfully challenge an established male. Too often they are pushed to the periphery of the reserves and come in contact with humans and cattle. Both are significant dangers. With loss of connectivity between forests, the adolescent tigers find it difficult to disperse to a suitable territory and survive.

In the early part of last century when India had less of weed infested forests, the biodiversity was good, human population was less and prey species were plenty in numbers. Small patches of forests were more productive and were able to hold large number of herbivores. So, in small patches of land shikaris were able to find large number of tigers. Less prey means more competition for survival. If tigers have to survive well, without inbreeding in some of the well known and well protected tiger reserves, then we have to improve connectivity between forests, remove the weeds like lantana to improve the native tree and plant species and give better protection to wildlife.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[V S Sankar]

Nice image of an young Tiger.....prbably he is trying to take control of this Territory from the previous Tiger who seem to be the established one here.Life of male Tigers are tough!

Regards

V S Sankar