Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
"Wild" Tiger
‹ PreviousWildlife GalleryNext ›

"Wild" Tiger

by Ken Watkins

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 31, 2014159 views5 comments
This is one of the last two male cubs sired by the one and only B2. It was taken in Bandhavgargh National Park India (a partially fenced area). The fact that the fences were not properly maintained lead to this guy and his brother being highly tempted to eat cattle outside the park, a need that was further reinforced by the failure to restock prey species in the park.
In their unique wisdom the Indian Wildlife authorities captured both brothers and transferred them to a zoo.
For me at least this highlights both the need for fencing and the need for maintaining populations in safer areas.
EOS 1D MkIV
500mm F4
ISO 800
F5.6
1/640
Taken from the back of the world's worst game viewing vehicle a Mahindra Gypsy

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on January 31, 2014 at 8:10 AM
Hey Ken,

Nice shot of a very majestic animal. Colour palette is very appealing - especially those almost red leaves in the foreground. If this were mine I'd probably selectively adjust exposure on the tiger's flank and bring it down just a tad.

On your commentary - always interesting to hear the views of others on conservation issues. I had to smile when I read that they two brothers were "highly tempted to eat cattle" - still wondering how that was determined (licking their lips as cattle walked by?). :wink:

You do realize that the "no baiting" rule in this gallery also applies to baiting of the moderators - right? :biggrin:

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on January 31, 2014 at 8:46 AM
Brad,
Thanks, I already toned down the whites on the flank anymore and they seemed to me to go muddy.
As you know I have strong views of "conservation" many people do not agree with them, but I am happy to be in bed with John Hanks ( Mr. "sustainable management" and probably the worlds most knowledgeable person in the field of African Wildlife) and John Frederick Walker author of the best book ever on Ivory Poaching ( Ivory's Ghost http://www.amazon.com/Ivorys-Ghosts-White-History-Elephants/dp/B0046LUR4S)
:toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 1, 2014 at 12:53 AM
Stunningly handsome cat, nicely photographed. The open mouth and the captivating stare (probably shouldn't use that term :roll eyes: ) are fabulous. Love the low point of view here combined with the separation of subject from background and that great leafy foreground. No nits.

That Mahindra is a dead ringer for the Jeep CJ. I had one once upon a time (an '83 Renegade); dangerous on the highway, rough riding and prone to falling apart was my experience. The back seat was definitely an after thought best suited for putting your lunch back there but not much more.
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on February 1, 2014 at 1:07 AM
Gary,

Thanks for your comment in particular those relating to the Gypsy, they of course put us in the back, with no lunch :biggrin:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on February 3, 2014 at 10:46 AM
This is a really good photo Ken; nice pose, beautiful color palette, great DOF in this bushy habitat and a super shooting angle . What would have made this even better though is if that side lighting would have lit the face instead of only the flank.
Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments