Photo of the week

26th March 2009

Bengal tigers and mountain gorillas are arguably the most exciting and emotive animal encounters anywhere on the planet and at first glance this looks to be another decent portrait of a particularly large Bandhavgarh male. However, a closer study of this magnificent predator is possible from elephant back and including the people in the shot injects a high octane frisson into the photograph.

Last January several Exodus wildlife fans had ten memorable minutes sat a breath away from this relaxing feline. Tigers are still desperately endangered, their future decided in the abattoirs further east as their bodies are butchered piecemeal for traditional medicine, so to spend this time, perched comfortably on the impeccably trained elephant's howdah is an extraordinary moment. Already mating with one of the senior females, pretty soon this belligerent tiger will challenge the park's alpha male which is likely to result in an almighty, albeit short turf war. This year has been good for sightings in this wonderful park, Exodus' strenuous efforts at fund raising is crucial in keeping this precarious equilibrium intact.

Picture was taken with a Canon EOS 40 D 70-200mm 2.8 IS lens, hand held from elephant back.