Deepanshu Yadav sent this tense video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while leading a game drive in India’s Ranthambore National Park.
Setting the scene
Setting the scene, Deepanshu told Latest Sightings, ” I have witnessed many awe-inspiring moments in the wild. However, the recent sighting of a tiger and tigress mating was truly remarkable.”
He told us that he had been monitoring the mating pair for several days. Furthermore, he said, the tigress had sub-adult cubs nearby, and when the mating was over, things took a dark turn.
As his video begins, we see the tigress shortly after mating. With the mating over, she is eager to get back to her cubs.
As she walks up the slope, the camera pans, revealing the male. Male tigers are considerably larger than females, weighing in at 100–261 kg (220-575 lb), compared to 75–177 kg (170−390 lb).
Unwanted attention
As she moves off, the male tracks her movement. Mating is not a once-off affair in big cats. They mate repeatedly over several days, so he is not ready to lose her just yet.
However, the female has a dilemma. Her instincts are torn between mating and protecting her offspring, who remain hidden nearby.
It is not uncommon for males to kill the cubs of other males, so she has good reason to be wary of him.
Rising to the threat
Subsequently, just as she begins to settle in the shade, the male gets up and approaches.
Not willing to take any chances with her larger suitor, she rises to meet his unwanted approach. Like all mothers, she is ready to put her life on the line to protect her babies.
Consequently, when he heads into the thicket where her cubs are hidden, she attempts to draw his attention away from them.
Taking the bait
Thankfully, the male falls for her ruse. However, he is not impressed by her audaciousness and turns to confront her.
At this point, we get to appreciate the size difference between the two. If things get serious, she could be in big trouble.
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Don’t tempt me
Although the female backs away, it is clear that she is not about to surrender. Subsequently, as the male keeps advancing, she rises onto her hind legs, ready to swat him with her massive paws.
For his part, the male appears reluctant to press home his advantage. As a result, a stalemate of snarling ensues with neither cat willing to give an inch.
Disaster averted
Thankfully, disaster is averted when the male heads into the shade. As Deepanshu recounts, “In the end her efforts were successful as she was able to fend him off.
“The cubs and the tigress then slunk into the thick of the forest and out of sight. Whilst the male lay tired and somewhat defeated in the open.”
Breathing a sigh of relief after the encounter, Deepanshu elaborated to say that female tigers are highly promiscuous and will mate with several males. According to him, this allows the female tiger to produce a variety of offspring, increasing the chances of survival for her cubs.