The Chase

[Bibhav Behera]

This was shot in the Daveliya enclosure in Gir. There were two males resting in the shade, when a herd of blackbucks caught the attention of one of them and it stalked and gave an unsuccessful chase. This image is from when the lion gave up the chase.
Asiatic Lions do hunt unlike their African cousins who depend mostly on the lionesses for food. I didn't get enough time to change the ISO so dialed the lens to its widest.

Canon EOS 450D, 300mm f/4L IS USM
SS 1/1000
f/4
ISO 200

Full Frame Image. Comments and Critiques welcome.

[Bhargava Srivari]

Nice perspective here. The image shows the clamour among the blackbuck clearly. I am thinking if it might have been better if you were more to the left so that you may have got more of the lion's mane and even a hint of the face!

Cheers

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

It is a pathetic scenario,as I view it.The Predator and Prey should have LEVEL Playing Ground.That too we are experimenting with Blackbucks,about whom every Nature Lover is so much concerned today, within an Enclosure.If Prey species are not actually hunted, Hunting Show is only for Exhibition purpose and the poor old /incapacitated Lions are supplied food from outside,there may not be much concern.

Thanks for your documentation and sharing.SaktiWild

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Bibhav,
How high is the wire fencing?

Male lions in Africa hunt. There are various scenarios where the lioness(es) take the lead. Theoretically, the large mane of the lions make it easier for the prey to detect. However, even among the african lions many have smaller sized mane. It is often difficult to tackle big buffaloes where the power and higher body weight of males are a big help.

Did the lion charge? This doesn't look like a stalking pose. The grass is not tall enough for concealing the lion.

Any idea about the number of black bucks within and outside the enclosure?

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Bibhav Behera]

Hi Sabyasachi,
Like I mentioned in my post, this image is after it gave up the chase. I have images of it stalking and shall post them next.
I am not sure of the total number of blackbucks there. we saw a herd of around 25.