B2 and Other Great Tiger Pics from India

[Rage2277]

*This image is copyright of its original author

Mihir Mahajan-Next in line | Pench | Winter 2018-19. 

For eight seasons in this pretty little forest, which inspired the legendary Kipling to pen his life’s greatest work, a male tiger called Raiyakassa ruled. His reign was so complete and his hold over the land so watertight, that rival males refused to enter his fabled kingdom, one that passed over hills and vales and encompassed beautiful ponds and lakes and an enchanting river, the Pench. But, all good things have to pass and make way for newer, more vigorous ones. Late last season, we heard reports about skirmishes between Raiyakassa and a ‘New Male’. The ‘New Male’ became almost a myth, seldom seen but always present, slowly and steadily inching towards ultimate domination of this most coveted of forest lands. The monsoon, like they have on countless occasions before, finally swang the pendulum the New Male’s way. Raiyakassa was spotted far away in the Sillari zone and the New Male was the emerging ruler of a land that is always the most prized! 
Over the last many years, on several winter dawns and summer dusks, i’ve seen Raiyakassa come out from behind Bijamatta and cross the bridge from the exact same spot. The baton has passed well and truly. Touria shall always have a powerful ruler, for only the strongest cross the gargantuan Kalapahad!

It was an absolute pleasure to see this huge boy on the morning of the 1st of January (2019's first tiger!). Reply