Wild Tigers Gallery

Tucked away in the jungles of Central India, the Tala range of Bandhavgarh is home to one of the highest densities of tigers to be found anywhere in the world.

It has been twelve years since I saw my first wild tiger there – an adult tigress, called Bachchi. Though only a glimpse, I remember her emerging from the undergrowth and quickly crossing the forest track in front of me – her beauty and presence were mesmerising… and so began my passion for these magnificent cats.

When photographing in India I work with my great friends Satyendra & Kay Tiwari, naturalists who live on the edge of the Bandhavgarh - their knowledge of the forest is second to none. You can see Satyendra’s latest images of the tigers here. And when I am in the UK Kay sends me regular updates on the tigers.

Latest news from Bandhavgarh

Sundar (B2) is almost 14 years old and still going strong!

Until recently Sundar had a young rival called Kallu, who was steadily taking territry from the old male and we thought this young tiger would be the future. But the Kallu hasn’t been seen for a while and Sundar has been able to regain control of some key areas of his former territory. It is not known whether Kallu disappeared after a fight with Sundar or he was a victim of poaching - but it is clear that Sundar will be king of the jungle for a while longer.

Shaki is also seen regularly and being a similar age to Sundar he is not a challenger - they keep to their own territories. Shashi, the younger male is also seen occasionally - though he doesn’t seem to be a challenger  to either older male. Pyari and her cubs have not been seen recently, but have clearly moved out of the Tala range. Pyari’s former territory has been taken over by Durga’s cubs Jaya (D5) and Vijaya (D4). Tulsi and her three cubs are regularly seen and seem to be doing well, as are Indrani and her four youngsters.

The worrying news from Bandhavgarh concerns Lakshmi - not only does she have a serious limp, but now Jaya is pushing her out of her territory. This situation came to a head last week when Lakshmi and her cubs were feeding on a cow outside the forest on the edge of Tala village. Concerned at her location the Forest Department attempted to shepherd her back into the forest, but in doing so ushered along a path where a local man was collecting wood. Sadly, the rest is obvious - she attacked and killed him.  How this tragic situation will sort itself out I don’t know - but she has two almost adult cubs to look after so hopefully a positive plan can be put in action. There are certainly available territories in the adjoining forests and veterinary intervention for her limp might be possible once her cubs have dispersed. Fingers crossed for Lakshmi.

And finally, on a very different subject, after an absence of 12 years, the Forest Dept are about to reintroduce 20 Gaur (Indian Bison) to the forest - an exciting plan, which if it works  will help habitat management.

More news soon.

How you can help save the tiger

Worldwide there may only be 3000 tigers left in the wild. Tiger campaigners are working hard to ensure that  2011 is a good one. Over the past decade I have worked closely with the amazing tiger campaigners at the Environmental Investigation Agency - take a look at the special Year of The Tiger action page on their website. They need your support.

Books and prints

If you’ve enjoyed this gallery, you’ll love my tiger books, prints, mugs & coasters, calendars and cards.