The rule of the Jungle, ‘Survival of the Fittest’ is known to all. In other words, ‘Kill or get Killed’. Hence, every animal devises a strategy, to use their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Similarly, a cub learns the art of hunting from childhood, observing its mother. As soon as it gains enough strength and skill to hunt on its own, the hunter in him starts planning for its first target.
Every animal has a different diet. Being a carnivore, a tiger’s main course consists of meat. Although, occasionally it does feed on berries and fruits just to be able to digest its food better. Tigers kill on an average of every eight or nine days. However, their meal has to be large enough to satisfy their hunger, till the next one comes along. A tiger eats approximately 14 kilograms of meat at once.
Tigers act of killing
Tigers excel in their profession, and so are exceptionally good hunters. Every move they make is tactful, before taking the final leap of death. Tigers take advantage of the bushes or long grasses, to stay hidden and get closer to their prey. They stalk their prey, to keep it in their line of vision. After successfully following their prey for some time and decreasing the distance to approximately 9 meters, it goes for the kill. The hunter then comes out of its hiding location with an electrical surge and agility. Applying its athletic skills fiercely, the tiger pounces on its prey. The Hunter applies its sturdy legs to guide the struggle, and the front legs to drag the prey towards the ground. Once in position, it chooses to finish the task either by snapping the spinal cord just at the rear of the head or grab the throat with its jaws to guarantee a less painful and faster death.
After the planned execution of acquiring its meal, it is time to savor the dish. Tigers carry their now dead prey, to a secure location to enjoy their kill. The leftovers are protected and covered to be returned back to, the next day.
A tiger does not have to think twice, to decide whether to see an animal as their prey or not. Their absolute fierce nature, with a strong and impressive jaw, the ability to run 50 miles an hour, their binocular eyesight and acute hearing power leaves hardly any survival chances for their target. Every aspect of their physique helps them obtain their prey, and give them the title of THE HUNTER.
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.
