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B2 and Other Great Tiger Pics from India
B2 and Other Great Tiger Pics from India
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B2 and Other Great Tiger Pics from India
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Hardik Bhatt
02/01/2021 PENCH Khursapar  *This image is copyright of its original author
  *This image is copyright of its original author This is the continuation of the earlier series. In the first series we saw the tiger was sitting under the shadow, and slowly stood up and just taken few cautious steps. Now in thus part, here the tiger just took few more cautious steps, and in the last image we can see that the predator just started to run.Wait for the next series where we will see that the apex predator is running at it's full speed and making the jump. Photographer :@souravwildlifephotographer1987 naina 
B2 - Bandhavgarh Regal Tyger
The fort of Bandhavgarh still stands tall, towering over the plateau and plains below. The plains plentiful of prey that flourish along side majestic big cats. Tigers, the dominant predator species has ruled these lands for ages. Once in a while a tiger appears in this landscape, that digs deep into the heart of many who admire these creatures. I came across one such tiger, talked and acclaimed by so many that getting into the pages of it's life was irresistible. As I unveil his chronicled life, I find myself not as a narrator but an encomium. And then his name strikes back in the tympanum of my consciousness again and again...B2. B2. B2.  *This image is copyright of its original author Birth of the King  *This image is copyright of its original author Summers are hot in this part of the world. Early in April even the sun rises in all it's glory and the denizens of the forest start feeling the heat. In these times, the golden rays bouncing back off a tiger's skin is as golden it can get. One such morning the royalty queen Mohini was seen carrying tiny cubs in her mouth to a safe location. Loving warmth and wrath of a tigress' jaws is unrivalled. Surprising as it is as how can those jaws of death be so kind and loving. She gently strode through the grass the tiny tot dangling down his mother's mouth. Mohini was introducing the prince to the jungle it seemed. But the fifteen day old cub was all unaware of this worldly affairs. A couple of weeks back in 1997 Mohini had delivered 3 cubs, later fondly named B1, B2 and B3. Though the fact that who fathered the cubs was not really clear as Mohini had been seen mating Charger as well Mamu some months back. As per people of Bandhavgarh, it was Charger. So, the future king had arrived in the land of forgotten forts... a tiger who would bring Bandhavgarh into limelight of the world and claimed to be the most photographed tiger in the wild. He was B2, Sundar.Very little is known of his early years as he stayed away from the tourism area. It is believed he remained in his mother's territory growing up strong with his brothers. He was bonded strongly with his mother. Something in him was different from his siblings, B3 being the most shy stayed away from curious eyes and B1 though a spent time in limelight but faded away. Youth makes you do reckless things and B2 was no exception. He strayed away into human territories after he left his mother at around two years of age. He spent most of his young years in the buffer zone, thriving on cattle kills. This concerned the park authorities as he always risked the wrath of villagers and being targeted by poachers. But he survived somehow. Villagers were quite tolerant to this young tiger, conflict never ensued. By the year 2000, B2 had grown up to be a handsome tiger and his confidence boosted him to invade the core zone now. True to his lineage he was a fighter and what a splendid way to commence his ascendance he choose... going for his father's throne, the mighty "Charger". Winters of 2000 witnessed the coronation of new king of the Tala zone. Charger was old now, he had lost a few canines and his eyesight was giving way. But he never intended to give away his kingdom without a fight. Initially B2 just kept picking at him time and again. And one fateful day his instincts rendered him that he could overpower his father. The forest woke up to deafening roars and growls of Charger and B2 on a cold winter night. Forest dweller knew a royal battle was eventuating as the prince was attempting for his rightful throne. With the first light dawn Tala had a new king... B2 stood proud and Charger had retreated carting his injured body and ego.  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 Walking proudly in his kingdom B2's Regnant  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 standing tall over another tiger Winds of change, dry and hoarse but change is the only constant in nature. The initial days of B2's reign were testing times. Though the king he still roamed around his mother's territory. Somehow he still clinged on emotionally to his mother. After her death he stayed from her territory for a long time as if he missed her and he was mourning. A behavior never before documented with tigers. A tiger is a solitary animal...and a tiger gets in term with it one day or the other. He moved on, he had to. Years came and went by, he fought battles, won the heart of many tigress. Turn of events mettled him into a "Regal Tiger". He retarded many attempts at his throne, fiercely defending his kingdom. Marks of battles ornately adorned his body. He had a long term feud with "Bokha" male who ruled the areas of Sakhipathia, Rajbehra and Sehra. Some battles he won and some he stepped down. His experience had edified him when to stand ground and when to just move aside. He ruled the Tala zone from 2000-2009 and mostly roamed the areas around "Badi gunfa" and eastern region of "Banbehi" near the Bandhavgarh fort.  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 on a prowl in his kingdom  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 in his bosom moments He mated with many tigresses during his reign that includes Chakradhar female, Mirchani female, Banbehi female and Langdi. The park in the upcoming years was ruled by his bloodline. Some of them became very famous tigers of the park, like "Bamera" and "Jhujhura". B2 was not only august among the ladies but also the park authorities and tourists. Photographs of him spread world wide, so did his fame. B2 was first photographed when he was 15 days old and his last photograph was of a few days prior to his death. He sired many cubs over the years from different females and was known to spent a lot of time with his family. In a strange occurrence of events in 2009, following the death of Banbehi female he raised the three  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 meeting up with Mirchani male cub cubs whom he had fathered the previous year. Banbehi is a mountainous terrain, a difficult hunting ground but against all odds he was seen hunting for the cubs. He would make sporadic appearances with the cubs, mostly with Mirchani male cub (of whom he was found of it seemed). He had also fathered "Jhujhura" female, who was considered to a be promising tigress to the park as she was expected to litter many cubs in the years ahead. Fate had different plans though, Jhurjhura met an untimely death when she was run down by a speeding vehicle on May 2011 while she was raising a litter of two cubs. The Twilight days of the king  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 bearing injuries after a battle with Bamera The year on the calendar bore 2010 and B2 body bore wrinkles with shaggy fading skin. As a tiger grows old his bright orange skin coat decolours. He was constantly confronted by his son "Bamera" for a claim at kingship. He might have smiled to himself then saying... "Ahhhh, like father like son." In tiger's tradition every prince one day will lay claim to his father's kingdom. For Bamera the time had come and for B2 time had gone.  *This image is copyright of its original author Father son skirmish Last two years of his life B2 faced many challenges mostly from his sons. In April 2010, B2 was badly injured during a feud with Bamera and he was seen being chased off by him. He bore some serious injuries to his face and flanks. Days were dusking now for B2 as he had lost a part of his territory to his worthy son. One such attempt was made by "Kallu" his son in February 2011. May be Kallu misconstrued his father. When the sun was blistering it's rays on the small plateau overlooking "Ghoda damon", barely a kilometer away from "Badi gunfa"... Father and son locked paws. An event witnessed by some tourists and guides. They narrated the skirmish being a brief one. "Kallu" within moments realizing his mistake rolled down accepting defeat. B2's roar itself was enough to bring him to his knees. Humiliated by the trounce, he left Bandhavgarh all together and fled 70 kilometers away to the forest stretches of Shahdol.  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 being chased off by Bamera Age drained the remaining strength, spirit disbanded B2 as he fell victim to the ultimate fate everyone destined for. The grim reaper stood on the hillock staring deep into his eyes. By June 2011, it was evident the king had days in counting. He lay lifelessly in a dried up stream, when he was spotted by the forest department. Heavy gasp with chest heaving up and down, his life kept slipping away breath by breath. He was monitored till the onset of monsoon. As the first rains swept through Bandhavgarh, B2 became untraceable. Everyone feared B2 would not appear on the other side of Monsoon's horizon.  *This image is copyright of its original author B2 did not survive the journey At the season's start in October 2011, every eyes in look for the old Emperor. The first month's pursuit went in vain, no sighting. On 16th November he was briefly sighted by a safari gypsy, while he was crossing the road in the periphery of Tala zone. But his fate was already sealed, this sighting proved to be one of fleeting joy. Three days later, on 19th he was found laying in defunct condition in a small stream at Chorbrehra forest range, 80 kilometers from Bandhavgarh. A rescue team lead by Mr. Mridul Pathak rushed to the spot on receiving information. They administered him with life saving drugs, then tranquilized him and decided to transfer him to Bandhavgarh for treatment. B2 had already left his land for a different world now and may be returning back ever was not what he had intended to. He did not survive his last journey. B2 was now on the way to the happy hunting grounds... a place where his majesty will still prevail. Bandhavgarh fort longed for his king, paying tribute through silence that was immutable with it. He was cremated with utmost respect, a deserving adieu to the king. His ashes flying high with the flames resonating his roar. Cheerios echoed in all of Bandhavgarh as B2, their beloved Tiger bade his farewell. People who admired and loved B2 still cherish in his memory. B2 - The Regal Tyger. With the departure of B2, an era came to an end I believe. During my journey of exploring this Tiger, I fell into an abyss of emotions where I was enlightened by the knowledge of Tiger's life. For days I kept picturing him, moving through the thickets and hillocks of Bandhavgarh. And when I wrote it felt somewhere that I was in his head now - seeing and acknowledging things as he would. I never got the privilege to see him in person. But in my inner consciousness he lives strong in flesh and bone... In growls and roars. B2 - My Regal Tiger. http://indiantigerdiaries.blogspot.com/2...tyger.html 
Impressive and Beautiful male
https://egov.eletsonline.com/2012/05/kaz...ct-tigers/  *This image is copyright of its original author
Charger – Overlord of the Brother’s Fort
Bandhabgrah, a legendry mythological domain with devout story engraved into it’s heart. As the legend goes, it derived it’s name “Bandhabgarh – Meaning Brother’s fort” for it was a gift from Lord Ram to young brother Lakshman to acts as a sentinel from the invading Sri Lankan demons. It’s been the canvas of different vibrant eras ruled by the Gods, Maharajas and now the Tigers. As I tell you this story, we will slip back in time and find ourselves among the ages when Gods overtook Gods, Maharajas overturned kingdoms and Majestic Tigers reclaimed the ancient territories.  *This image is copyright of its original author Bandhabgarh Fort Prior to being a National park, Bandhabgarh was the private game reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The kings and noble men used to hunt animals from the elephant back. Tiger was always a prized game. Hundreds of tigers were killed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The elusive beasts were almost killed to the verge of disappearance. But it all changed. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, with an area of 105 km2. The buffer zone covers the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals 820 km2. . Conservation efforts paid off and it is now considered the national park with highest density of tigers. Bandhabgarh’s landscape was and is always dominated by fierce kings. The story of “Charger” adorns as a jewel in the royal history of the fort kingdom. My heart pounds and pulse race frantically as I put down this story because the valor of this Tiger and his tale is beyond words. But I regret that in my lifetime I couldn’t get to lay my eyes upon him… Charger. Crowning of the King: Charkadhara region in Tala range of Bandhavgarh National Park was a richly diverse area with prominent hillocks. During 1991, it was ruled by a very masculine dominant male, “Banka”. Banka in local language means “the handsome one”, true to his name he was. On the particular dusk of summer in 1991, Banka was patrolling his territory with deep throated calling of “aaungh- aaungh”, displaying his might. While Banka was prowling along the Aama Nala road, suddenly a series of resounding roars from up the hill jolted the jungle. Banka stopped dead in his tracks and immediately looked up. All strained up, ears turned forward, he faced the hilly slope trying to understand what was happening. His ears picked up the sound of fast approaching footsteps. Whatever it was, was now heading straight towards him churning the dry leaves scattered on the ground. Occasional short hideous growls followed the footsteps. He instinctively knew that he has a challenger now. The resident tiger (Banka) accepted the challenge replying vent to a full throated roar. The roar was answered by quickened movement of the oncoming stranger. The stranger’s walk turned into a jog, and finally into a full intensity gallop…
 *This image is copyright of its original author Battle for the Territory Emerging through the cover of bamboo bushes was a vicious looking tiger in his youthful prime, with mane like long hair fringing his face. Without any warning the behemoth pounced on Banka like a thundering storm. The collision sent both rolling down the ground. The next moment the young male was towering over Banka frantically trying to get his teeth into his opponent’s skull and neck. Saliva dripping down his widely open jaws, Banka roared in defiance and raked the body of his rival with his fully stretched paws. The roar of the battling tigers sent tremors through the forest. The echo was to be heard by every creature in the far vicinity and for a moment it felt like the war driven days of maharajas has come back to life in Bandhabgarh. Soon the ferocity, youth and indescribable anger of the young tiger took better of Banka. He gave up and disengaged himself from deadly grip of his rival. Bleeding profusely Banka left the battlefield and tottered away from the onslaught. A final heart rendering roar from the young male announced the crowning of a new king of Tala zone.
 *This image is copyright of its original author Charger- Charging at theVehicle The next early morning sunrays brought in a new day. The safari jeeps lined up at the Tala gate to have their first sightings. The first jeep to enter the park carrying a party of jungle-trackers was driven by Rajan. As they approached a turn, they could see a vicious tiger lying down beside the forest road, licking his bleeding gashes and growling at intervals. They had unknowingly come very near to the new tiger following overnight pugmarks of Banka. The furious tiger raised his head and intently stiffened his body as a posture of uncomfortable aggression. He swiftly prepared himself for a charge. He growled and scratched the earth with his claws in anger clearly hinting them to stay away. As the jeep stopped near the tiger, he jumped up, rushed towards the jeep roaring menacingly. His momentum almost made him collide with the vehicle. It was just a mock attack but he made his intension clear. The turn of events was so spontaneous that the occupants of the jeep were frozen in fear following a shrill cry. Fortunately the tiger wheeled back abruptly and went off into the forest.
 *This image is copyright of its original author Charger walking past the Safari elephant The jeep got back to the camp and due to a misunderstanding the word was spread that “Banka” has gone mad. Sightings of a Banka like tiger near villages away from his territory added to the confusion. Kuttapan, the head Mahout (person who drives elephant) decided to solve the mystery. Riding over his huge tusker Gautam, he entered the high grass behind Gopalpur pond looking for Banka. Within a moment, he heard a distinct loud growl from his right, and next moment a thundering striped fury shot out from the grass and charged at elephant Gautam. Kuttapan somehow managed to stir the elephant away from the grassland. He rushed out of the forest perspiring profusely and declared that a very dangerous, short-tempered tiger had arrived in the forest.
 *This image is copyright of its original author Charger Thus, the Legendary Tiger came to be known by the name of “Charger”- The aggressive one. Biography: The origin of Charger is not clearly known. Park rangers consider him to be from a different part of the park. He first made his appearance in the summer of 1991, when he defeated Banka and claimed his territory in Tala zone. His tenure as a overlord of Tala stretched almost a decade (1991-1999). It is extraordinary as the life span of tiger is 12-15 years. He was in his prime even during his last days. His ferocity made him an International Legend and even today years after his passing his story drifts along the folklore of park rangers and wildlife enthusiasts.
 *This image is copyright of its original author The Legendary Couple - Charger with Sita Charger had a lifetime mate, “Sita”. In 1992 their first litter was with two male cubs “Langru” and “Bada Bachha”. Bada Bachha was strong and later claimed his territory around Ghora demon. But the younger son had a slight limp in his hind leg, hence named Langru ( limping one). Langru did not make his own territory instead decided to stay with Charger. It came as a surprise to forest official when a vicious territorial male like Charger accepted his 4 year old lame son, denying the logic that dominant males drive away their own grownup male cubs.
Sita’s second litter (March, 1994) with Charger was ill-fated with a blind female cub, which died early. This shook Sita down to the core. She also had a beautiful female from the same litter, who came to be known as “Mohini” (because of her mesmerizing looks). A few years later Mohini mothered three male cubs B1, B2 and B3. In September 1996, Sita produced her fifth litter from Charger comprising one male and two females. Three months later Sita went missing, and Charger was left alone. Charger had no mate ever since.
 *This image is copyright of its original author Charger, wounded after his battle with B1 During 1995-1998 he had a few feuds with other male tigers but none dared to match his caliber. He ruled his territory with utmost dominance. With time Charger was growing old. He was hungry most of the time and survived through scavenging. He wandered in search of dead animals. His movements were restricted to a particular region of “Barua Nala”. And now the new generation of Tigers: B1, B2 & B3 were claiming their dominance in the area. During this Charger could not restrict himself long in a limited territory and ventured into Rajbehra and had a conflict with B1 and both face injuries. Charger had to retreat. Decline of the Charger’s reign: On a fateful day in June 2000, Charger engaged in a conflict with strong B2 for territorial dominance. In this fierce battle B2 wrote the last deciding chapter of Charger’s grand saga.
A week later, Charger was found half dead, lying in a ditch close to Mardari village. To avoid any controversies and danger to villagers, the forest department tranquilized Charger, put him in a cage and transferred him to an enclosure at Chirhadhar, Magadhi Zone. The forest officials attended to his wounds and within a few weeks Charger’s health seemed to improve.
 *This image is copyright of its original author Charger in his enclosure in Magadhi Zone True to his name, he did not like being enclosed and used to charge at the fence very often. He used to prowl through in the enclosure as though he was patrolling his territory. Teeth blazing, he used to roar and growl at anyone who came near his fence. He was like an imprisoned king, who never let go of his pride, valor and royalty.
His spirit was never grounded but his old body had given away to the test of time.
On 29th September, 2000 Charger breathed his last. He neither cringed nor whimpered during his last moments. He lived like a king with all his glory and accepted death with open arms as a warrior would do.
In his honor, his final resting place is named "Charger Point" in Magadhi zone (Gate no. 2).
 *This image is copyright of its original author Resting place of the Legendary Charger - Charger Point e engraved his legacy in golden letters on the history of Indian wildlife. Made internationally famous by his nature, he paved way for a better future for Bandhabgarh’s tigers. His pugmarks might have faded away on the sands of time but for every soul that ever heard of him, he will always be… “Charger – The Overlord of Bandhabgarh”
 *This image is copyright of its original author https://indiantigerdiaries.blogspot.com/2017/05/charger-overlord-of-brothers-fort.html  (01-15-2021, 08:40 PM)Acinonyx sp. Wrote: Charger – Overlord of the Brother’s FortThanks for share, my friend. Really bone-chilling to see old school legends, just like to see a long-lost friend! Once upon a time in Bandhavgarh... The Charger line of Bandhavgarh: Charger:  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author B2:  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author Bamera:  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author Somanshu:  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
(01-15-2021, 05:49 PM)Dark Jaguar Wrote: Impressive and Beautiful maleThat's young Bamera of Bandhavgarh, my friend, not Kazi male like the article said   *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
Charger the aggressive male Royal Bengal Tiger Bandhavgarh National Park India
 *This image is copyright of its original author https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-charge...36012.html  *This image is copyright of its original author [color=var(--secondary-text)]=AZUBulYdocIlYGmfbfza8c2lIhneHS6N4hBS5cYydlzvumwdY0ZcM1RxllB6DT4hqX3514ib0y9kEg5Q3c8LJw0eaAw0jIay2ljfJsdYz9GQedRPEbSuuFsNNmlRdMgOv-LKbZwKZ0SPeqki09xbe_ZI&__tn__=-UC*F]Shyamala Kumar [/color]Shiva crossing ,Tadoba 
Prime B2 mating with Chakradara tigress (2004)
Tribute to B2 at 1:03 we can see his body in comparison to humans Chota Charger from Bandhavgarh  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author never heard of him before, unlike his famous brother Mahaman/Mamu  *This image is copyright of its original author @Rage2277 @Ashutosh any additional info about him? (01-16-2021, 06:53 PM)qstxyz Wrote:(01-15-2021, 05:49 PM)Dark Jaguar Wrote: Impressive and Beautiful maleThat's young Bamera of Bandhavgarh, my friend, not Kazi male like the article said Just seen this now. that article indeed messed up on the location but I posted him for how impressive looking he is instead of from where he is from, hence why I didn't even cite the location or who he is in the post here. (01-28-2021, 10:39 PM)phatio Wrote: Prime B2 mating with Chakradara tigress (2004)he's very elusive like jobhi was maybe even more no idea where where he is i know he sired a few litters with the late yoshila (sukhi pattia tigress) 
L Mark
 *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author By choudharyomveer |
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