Yesterday in the 'Mammals' column while writing on "Injured Leopard" posted by Bhargava bhai I informed the members about the Sundarbans TR losing one Tiger from attack by an Estuarine Crocodile.
Shri Sabyasachi has made his beautiful comments on that.
Full details are given below:
SUNDARBANS TIGER vs.ESTUARINE CROCODILE
After autopsy it has been found that the Tiger was fully grown, about 7 ft.long. I may be mention that most of the Sundarbans Tigers are of lesser weight through Evolution as they have to negotiate muddy river banks and cross rivers and creeks very often but are very ferocious. The Tiger was swimming to cross a creek during high tide near Dobanki deep inside the forest when it was attacked by the Crocodile.There are about 18 deep injury marks on the body all arising out of bite by teeth or swipe of tail by the crocodile.One hind leg is virtually non-existent.It is felt that the Tiger fought brilliantly(as evident from number of bites by angry crocodile) but it might have been an uneven fight as the Tiger possibly could not get a foothold due to high level of water.
About one week back a spotted deer was dragged away while crossing the same creek while other got away with injury.
The Forest Dept. people have seen one 14 ft long crocodile lurking nearby(Resident!).
SUNDARBANS TIGER vs. SHARK
About one year back the Forest dept guards while patrolling found an injured Tiger on the river bank which has lost one of its paws amputated as if by a surgeon.After investigation it was found that the Tiger survived from a SHARK attack( Razor- like Cut).It was treated in Kolkata Zoo and after a few months sent to Animal Rehabilitation Centre in North Bengal as it was impossible for it to hunt in the wild.Estuarine Crocodiles of The Sundarbans are Man-eaters. Yesterday one fisherman has been dragged while climbing the shore from the trawler.