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Tiger Directory
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@zain.azam congratulations on your amazing opportunity, I look forward to your updates.
Good luck  (10-26-2016, 05:15 PM)parvez Wrote:(10-26-2016, 11:38 AM)zain.azam Wrote: I was doing some work with an NGO for tiger conservation in India and was lucky enough to see some camera trap image photo albums of tigers in Sri Sailam Tiger Reserve (South India - Largest Tiger Reserve in India). There are more than 50 tigers in the forest but there is little to no tourism due to local conditions and poor management. There were images of 3 MASSIVE Male Tigers who seemed to be as big as Wagdoh! That wasn't the image I saw.. That was more of a proper side profile but NICE! Did you find that online? Do you have any more information on the tigers of Sri Sailam? (10-28-2016, 11:54 AM)parvez Wrote:(10-28-2016, 10:39 AM)zain.azam Wrote:yes I have some pictures from srisailam. I got it on wti website. But perhaps it must be the same tiger gb9. Also can you share your research details here(10-26-2016, 05:15 PM)parvez Wrote:(10-26-2016, 11:38 AM)zain.azam Wrote: I was doing some work with an NGO for tiger conservation in India and was lucky enough to see some camera trap image photo albums of tigers in Sri Sailam Tiger Reserve (South India - Largest Tiger Reserve in India). There are more than 50 tigers in the forest but there is little to no tourism due to local conditions and poor management. There were images of 3 MASSIVE Male Tigers who seemed to be as big as Wagdoh! 
It is said that Kingfisher aka Rajaram as died in a territorial fight on Friday at Mukki.
Sagnik Sengupta was the first to identify the dead tiger as Kingfisher. However the senior officials from Kanha as said that the dead tiger was a ten year old male (Kingfisher is a much younger tiger). It would be very upsetting if its really the Kingfisher, because he was the most dominant and the biggest in Mukki. It is also said that Bheema was the one who killed it. For starters Mukki zone in Kanha was ruled by 4 dominant males. Here is a recap of the Mukki zone till the begining of this season Oct 2016. Mukki zone was never known for male tigers in the past, it was mainly known for females raising their cubs. In the past Mukki was ruled by the Limping male (he was the father of Munna and Pattewala) and after is death Mukki was taken over by chain male. Then came the Redeye male or thin striped male, who after losing to Munna at Kanha meadows moved to Mukki, killed chain male and ruled it. At around 3 years ago Umarpani entered the picture and challenged redeye for a part of Mukki. Then came Bheema and Kingfisher, this trio kicked out Redeye and took control of Mukki. Finally this trio was joined by link 7 male aka Chotta Munna for a share. All this 4 big guns wanted Mukki and challenged each other which resulted in several territorial battles. First Umarpani and Kingfisher had several territorial fights between them, both the males were injured in these battles and was treated by the forest officials. One of such battle was witnessed by the tourists and that fight was dominated by the Kingfisher. Later Kingfisher to show is dominance killed two of the cubs of Mahaveer female tigress which was sired by Umarpani. Fight between kingfisher and umarpani After this Bheema and Link7 exchanged few blows at each other at the Babathenga waterhole. Then later Bheema and Link7 had a fierce battle at Chota chatta pather road which resulted in Bheema being severly injured. Bheema retreated from Mukki and was not seen for 2 months. Link7 took over Bheema's territory. Then later Bheema returned, this time with more confidence and attitude. Upon his return he was challenged by Link7 several times but this time Bheema dominated the encounters. Then the fight shifted from Babathenga to Umarjhola in summers of 2016. This time it was Kingfisher and Link 7. Link7 and Umarpani were half brothers, both were fathered by Munna. Hence they didnt have any conflicts between them (except for once but Umarpani defeated Link7 in that encounter.). Link7 was shaping up really well and was predicted to take over the legacy of his father. But his enthusiasm and aggression was no match for the girth of Kingfisher who gave him a run for his life. Kingfisher visited Umarjhola for three days to ensure that Link 7 left his territory. Later that week Kingfisher mated with Mahaveer tigress. Mahaveer female gave birth to cubs at the end of the season. Bheema after dominating and defeating Link7 moved to challenge Umarpani. As per the video footage taken in 2016, Umarpani male ran off on seeing Bheema. Here is Umarpani and Bheema encounter https://m.facebook.com/groups/1571219023...08362&_rdr It was expected that a battle between Kingfisher and Bheema is inevitable (two most powerful and dominant forces of Mukki). But unfortunately the season ended and the park was closed. On reopening of the park in October, Umarpani male as been missing and was not seen but the other 3 males were seen. This was the status of Mukki, before the news of Kingfisher's death. Here is the news report on the dead tiger from Mukki Another tiger carcass was found within a week in Kanha reserve on Friday, raising the toll to an unprecedented 24 in Madhya Pradesh this year. This is the highest number of tiger deaths this year for any state in India. Last year, Madhya Pradesh lost 11 tigers while the preceding year the state recorded the country’s second highest tiger mortality at 14. In 2013, the state recorded nine tiger deaths, while it was 12 in 2012. Seventy-five tigers have died so far this year across the country with Madhya Pradesh alone accounting nearly one-third of the toll, according to National Tiger Conservation Authority. Of the 24 tiger deaths, 10 were in Pench and nine reported from Kanha. A senior official of Kanha told HT that the carcass of ten-year-old male tiger was found in Mukki range in core of Kanha reserve. “The carcass bore some injury marks, indicating that it might have been killed in a territorial fight. Only after post mortem, the exact cause of its death will be clear,” he said. Pench-based wildlife enthusiast Sagnik Sengupta said the tiger whose carcass was found on Friday was known as Kingfisher male. “It is likely that he was killed by another tiger Bhima in a territorial fight. Bhima has made Mukki range his territory,” he said Friday’s was the third tiger death in the state in last one month. On September 29, a one-year-old tigress died in Pench Tiger Reserve’s buffer area due to starvation. A carcass of tiger with its four paws missing was found in Khatiya range of Kanha reserve on October 22. The tiger had died due to electrocution. Once home to the highest tiger population in India, Madhya Pradesh lost the top spot to Karnataka in 2010 following a census conducted by Wildlife Institute of India. According to a census in January 2015, the tiger numbers increased from 257 in 2010 to 308. However, since January 2015, 35 tigers have died in the state. TIGER DEATHS IN MP THIS YEAR TILL NOW [i]October 28: The carcass of a tiger found Mukki range of Kanha Tiger Reserve.[/i] [i]October 22: The carcass of a tiger was found in the Khatiya range of Kanha Tiger Reserve on Saturday late evening, with four missing paws missing.[/i] [i]June 16: Tiger dies in Kanha National Park[/i] [i]May 21: Over 12-month-old tigress dies at Kanha, due to territorial fighting[/i] [i]April 26: A tiger dies in Kisli forest of Kanha Tiger Reserve[/i] [i]April 18: 8-year-old tigress dies while defending its two cubs from another tiger in Mukki range of Kanha Tiger Reserve[/i] [i]April 16: 14-year-old tiger dies of old age and starvation in Supkhar range of Kanha Tiger reserve[/i] [i]April 8: Tiger cub in Pench dies from septicemia infection at Kanha Tiger Reserve, where it was shifted. A tiger cub dies in Gorella Mukki forest of Kanha Tiger Reserve[/i] [i]March 9: A tiger dies in Kisli forest of Kanha Tiger Reserve[/i] http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/tiger-carcass-found-in-mp-s-kanha-reserve-toll-reaches-24/story-1pL9IumiX8B3EDp5gs5zEN.html  (10-29-2016, 11:44 AM)Apollo Wrote: It is said that Kingfisher aka Rajaram as died in a territorial fight on Friday at Mukki. Here is what Sharad Vats said, Rajaram (Kingfisher) 2010-2016 The inevitable has happened, the unprecedented has ended. It was building up for a little over last 2 years. Rajaram, a.k.a Kingfisher’s body was found in Mukki zone on October 28th morning. Apparently, there were injury signs on his neck and shoulders. So it is concluded that it was a territorial fight. Well, there couldn’t have been anything else in this case. The area where his body was found is right in the heart of the tourism zone, which is monitored well by the forest guards and the tourists too. So, no untoward incident or accident could have happened here. Since almost 30 months Mukki zone was prowled by 4 big male Tigers. Umarpani male, Bheema, Link 7 (Chotta Munna) and Rajaram aka Kingfisher. There were territorial tussles, devilish roaring, blood drops, naked claws, wounds and some scared to death tourists. It was expected in 2014 itself that a fatal fight is round the corner. But all the male Tigers despite the differences had begun to give space to each other. Their intensity and frequency of fights had reduced over last one year. Many thought that these males had accepted each other. But how wrong was everyone in defining the behavior of these Tigers. A very handsome male Tiger in his peak, Rajaram was 6 years old. He belonged to the Neela Nallah litter. Sighting Rajaram during a Safari in Kanha I can never forget the morning of December 13th 2015. We had just about crossed Andh Kuan, when we see this male Tiger walking briskly towards us. We started to retreat. His walk had a purpose. Naren said, this is Rajaram. I threw away (within the vehicle of course) all the winter layers, and was on the starting blocks like Usain Bolt. He walked behind us for over 2kms, and gave me plenty of opportunities to shoot him. This particular sighting was possible due to my dear Naren Malik, and Preetam the forest guide. A brilliant team effort which saw us cross the line, and gave me immense pleasure. Rajaram a family member to many Sad part was that the news of his death was broken to me by Naren Malik, who sounded shattered on phone. He was unconsolable. For Naren, this is just not a loss of a Tiger. It is loss of a family member. People like Naren are bonded with their Tigers, as they track and see them often, and for years. Day in, and day out, weeks, months, and seasons go by, seeing, appreciating, and photographing these Tigers. It is a personal loss for Naren and other naturalists who love Kanha and it’s Tigers like family. And also for all those whom he showed Rajaram, me included. I feel your pain Naren because of this loss. But my friend, it is a actually a gain. Tigers like Rajaram have left such an indelible mark on people’s mind that those people are today Kanha lovers. Who fought and overpowered Rajaram? I am writing this when there is incomplete information on, with whom was the fight? Which Tiger? Hopefully in next few days the Tiger who killed Rajaram will show up with some injuries. For sure Rajaram would have gone down fighting till his last breath. Hence he would have wreaked some serious damage to his opponent. Is that opponent Chotta Munna (Link 7), unlikely, as he was sighted just today morning, absolutely fit. Was it Bheema? Maybe, but again unlikely as he was a bit frail over last 10-15 days, and also injured. Though Bheema had the power going for him, but in current situation it seems tough. So was it Umarpani in that case? Most likely, as in the past they have both fought, and mostly Umarpani male has come out triumphant in all past fights. Besides, Umarpani male out-matches Rajaram in size, strength, and stealth. While writing this piece I can see Rajaram’s eyes looking at me. Rajaram was one Tiger who looked you in the eye peacefully, plainly and assuredly. There were moments during my last sighting that we (me and him) were on same eye level, and not once i felt threatened. Rajaram you will remain in my heart till it beats. You were not beaten my friend, you are liberated. Have a peaceful onward journey. Sharad Vats Regarding the size of Mukki males Ive seen there is alot of discussions going on this and many shared their opinions and I do respect that. By personal opinion which is based on my own observation and my sources is, interms of size Kingfisher > Bheema > Umarpani > Chotta Munna (Link7) Here are some images of Kingfisher and Umarpani Kingfisher left, Umarpani right  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author Kingfisher male in the back, he is taller, longer and have bigger chest girth  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author Now regarding Umarpani and Bheema check the video on the link https://m.facebook.com/groups/1571219023...08362&_rdr I hope @tigerluver can work his magic on the images and video footage, to get a size estimate on these 3 tigers.  The info shared by you is indeed accurate except for the part "Then came the Redeye male or thin striped male, who after losing to Munna at Kanha meadows moved to Mukki, killed chain male and ruled it." Kindly note, Red Eye is an entirely different Male altogether who took over Kanha meadows after Munna apparently left the area. Red Eye subsequently moved over to Sarhi side (Sangam) upon the arrival of Bajrang (Bheema's Brother). Red Eye was last camera trapped in Sarhi during early 2016. Meanwhile a new male (subsequently named as Thin Stripe Male for obvious reasons) migrated from Pench and arrived Mukki through the Pench-Kanha corridor. Thin Stripe Male had been camera-trapped in Pench (M.P) regularly as a sub-adult too & hence was easily identified upon his arrival in Mukki. It was Thin Stripe Male who'd killed Chain Male to take over major parts of Mukki. Umarpani Male arrived & defeated Thin Stripe Male who ran for cover only to be driven away by Kankata at Baba Thenga Talao and was never sighted thereafter. I'm attaching pics of Red Eye followed by Thin Stripe Male. 
Hi @Vijay Rajan my man, what can I do without you.
You are my goto guy when it comes to tiger info. Thanks alot for the corrections. I like to clarify some of the doubts on some old kanha males. Is Konda really killed by Munna or the Link 7 brothers ? The link 7 brothers were also seen in Konda's territory, did they had any disputes with Konda ? I hope u remember the link 7 brothers (one was collared and the other not). They both died when they were young adults I guess. They were called K1 and K2 aka Arjuna and Bhima. I heard one of the brother was killed by Munna and the other by Pattewala, is it true ? Are the link 7 brothers sired by Banda ? Both the brothers were said to be BIG, but whats your thoughts on it ? Kindly share your info on this, it would be very helpful. Here is a pic of Bhima (the uncollared link7 brother)  *This image is copyright of its original author
(11-02-2016, 12:57 PM)Apollo Wrote: Hi @Vijay Rajan my man, what can I do without you. Lol Apollo ! Too many questions indeed, I've been hard pressed for time these days & haven't been able to check the forum much in the last few weeks. Yes, the Link-7 brothers were indeed born to the Mundi Dadar female & sired by Banda. Let me revert with detailed feedback soon, thanks !
Kaziranga tigress
 *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
11-04-2016, 08:09 AM
( This post was last modified: 11-04-2016, 11:26 AM by Vijay Rajan
Edit Reason: Added few more details.
)
Dear Apollo,
Konda was found dead near Indri camp in January 2008 & the guards stationed there seemed to have overheard a brutal fight, the previous night. As Konda was radio-collared during that period, it wasn’t difficult for the patrolling team to find his (mutilated) carcass. I believe Munna was indeed the one who eliminated Konda. More than the death itself, I’m taking the liberty of sharing territorial struggles of the main suspects during that time & hope this post (compiled with additional inputs from Mahavats, Forest Guards & Drivers who’ve been working out of Kanha since the last 25-30 yrs) isn’t an inordinately long one. Although there seem to be many theories due to lack of eye witness to Konda’s death, I’d much rather go by logic.
1) Munna (he hadn’t been named during that time) had been biding his time around the periphery of Indri & Tatri for a couple of years and his occasional forays upto Indri camp were arguably to assess Konda’s dominance and wait for an opportune moment to kill him & take over. No prizes for guessing who the occasionally sighted, shy, temperamental & large-headed male on the edges of Diwanbehra or ganghar nallah turned out to be. The scars/bruises on Konda during late summers as well as post-monsoons of 2007 were enough to suggest that he had a serious challenger in Indri.
2) Interestingly, Munna, who’d never crossed over into Indri until then was sighted roaring away & scent marking on Indri road along Taarwadi & Chamarghati towards Kisli rest house the very next day that Konda’s mutilated carcass was found.
3) Meanwhile, the Link-7 brothers (sons of Mundi Dadar female sired by Banda) who were sub-adults (at around 28-30 months old) at that time, remained far away from the turf wars in Kisli as they resided in Kanha meadows during that period & hence had absolutely no role to play in Konda’s death.
4) The involvement of Link-7 brothers in Konda’s death was speculated primarily due to a couple of brief sightings of 2 sub-adult males near Budbudi & Magar Nallah on Karai Ghati road during Dec 2007. Arguably, those siblings had to be from another family altogether (perhaps Konda’s offsprings from Khatia narangi side) since the Link-7 bros were still at Kanha meadows/Shravan Tal/Sijhora/Link-7 etc during that period.
5) In fact the non-collared Link-7 male known as Junior Banda#2 (in the photo you’d posted) used to go only upto the Digdola (balancing rock) & never upto Kisli main road, at least not until summers of 2008. His collared brother Junior Banda#1 though chose to stay around Kanha meadows until December 2008 & had also mated with Umarpani Female (who didn’t conceive).
6) Junior Banda#2 did end up going all the way upto Kisli main road/salghat tigadda/saucer in early 2009, only to be killed by another Male (the culprit remains unknown though). In the meantime, Pattewala (Indri Male) as well as Kankata entered the scene & thus began another tussle for Kisli while Munna seemed to be busy ruling Kanha zone. Kindly note, until then Pattewala used to lurk around Rahta village in the buffer area adjoining Indri preying upon cattle. While on my way from Khati gate to Mukki, I myself had encountered the patrolling party (with VHF antennae) responsible for tracking Pattewala on a few occasions on this stretch & had been told of his presence at a fresh cattle kill. Pattewala was never sighted in Indri during Konda's rule as he was a sub-adult at that time (a few months older than Jr.Bandas). Kankata at that time used to reside mainly around Baba Thenga, Malkhedi, Dhawajhandi upto Chimta camp.
Excellent detailed description @Vijay Rajan,
I didnt make profiles for junior banda 1 and 2 because of this confusion and right now I can use your wonderful information to create them. Thanks alot you made my day.
Ive contacted Sagnik Sengupta regarding Kingfisher death and this is what he said,
"It was not me who identified but yes I have said it to press. identification was done by the forest dept only, yes it died of territorial fight only and either with Bheema or Link7 male, but chances are high of fight with Bheema as he was seen limping with few injuries around that time, pics were not released officially by department so it cant be shared sorry for that."  (11-04-2016, 08:09 AM)Vijay Rajan Wrote: Dear Apollo, Vijay Rajan great to read your details. thanks. It gives us; tiger lover, so much of info and pleasure |
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