H1_W3_006

Date: Apr-08

Location: Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan.

Did you know?

Tiger cubs remain with the mother for up to 24 months. The males move out of their mother's territory to create their own. Sadly, only roughly 50% of the cubs make it to adulthood and create their own territory.

About the picture

This image shows sibling rivalry between two sisters. It was photographed by my wife, Asha, in April 2008 in Ranthambhore National Park. These 20-month-old cubs were part of a litter of 3 females born to Machhli, Ranthambore’s most famous tiger. This particular afternoon, one of the cubs started stalking a Sambar. Within a few seconds, another cub emerged behind her, stalking. What initially looked like two cubs hunting as a team soon changed when the second cub pounced on her sister in a show of dominance. The fight lasted only for a minute, but it was loud and emotionally charged, and both siblings parted ways after having given each other bleeding injuries.

Fun Fact

Scientists believe that the white spots behind the ears of a tiger help tiger cubs follow their mothers through the forest. The white spot is called an ‘ocelli’.