Crouching Tigress

In this image, the young female, just sexually mature, was taking a break from her mating sessions with the first of three tigers she would eventually attract. Out of frame was her equally young mate. She was perched on a nearby rocky outcrop looking down on the two jeeps that were observing her.

This two-and-a-half-year-old tigress was orphaned when she was 16-18 months old. Her mother, born of Sita and Charger in Bandhavgarh NP, was found dead a year before this photo was taken; cause of death was inconclusive. Of the three in the litter, this tigress is the only sibling known to be thriving, most likely due to her excellent hunting skills.

D300, 200-400VR, ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/750, handheld. Image is approximately 90% FF. Minimal PP.

C&C welcome.

Butch