There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
It is the survival of the fittest and the primordial need to father one’s own progeny, but it’s so heart wrenching to see Munna as a scheming and vicious killer.
Munna killed, predictably, the male cub of the Kopedabri female, a cub that he had not fathered. She literally fought tooth and nail like only a mother would, to protect her cubs, inflicting injury on the bigger and more powerful Munna. Yet, the ageing, Munna overpowered her, killed the cub and in the supreme air of dominance known only to the ruler of the jungle, ate the torso of the cub. For three long days, the indomitable Kopedabri female (T-59) continuously followed him , fending off Munna’s aggression to keep her other cub safe. Only after she managed to drive Munna (T-17) out of her territory did she relax a bit, though she obviously continues to fiercely guard her surviving cub. God bless the surviving cub and his Super Mom, the Kopedabri female.
Everyone who loves Munna will find it disturbing to see him next to the mutilated innocent cub. Yet, this is the law of the jungle and we need to accept it. What is unacceptable, however is the lawless killing of tigers by humans: by poisoning, poaching, hunting, electrocution, speeding vehicles and trains, and the biggest killer of them all- habitat loss.
Long live the King! Long live Munna!
Images- Sanjay Shukla , Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve.
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
Aside of the obvious fem-centered tale of the events, I'm glad to see the old man doing fine. I'm pretty certain no female will be "driving him off her territory", rather he did his job and walked out as he has always done.