u/Good-Consequence8891

It's been 3 weeks since she bought her cubs out lately, the wait was pretty much disappointing & exhausting, being a person who steps on to the field every single day expecting and calculating the sighting to happen today or Tommorow, well the wait just doesn't get any late as she brought her cubs to the tourism area this morning and it was indeed a blast.

I am sure we have lots of Kajiri & Shambu fans in this forum, so i thought of sharing this right away.

Picture Credits : Praveen Pai (Naturalist @ Tadoba)

Season of Cubs is here & the hotspot to look out for us Mohurli Buffers : Junona/Adegaon/Devada/Agarzhari & Mamla gates undoubtedly.

Kajiri female & 4 Cubs sired by Shambu at Junona/Devada/Adegaon Gates

Choti madhu female & 3 Cubs Sired by Shambu at Junona/Devada/Adegaon & Agarzhari buffer gate as her area is widely spread

W Mark Female & cubs Sired by Y Mark at Adegaon/Devada buffer

Sundari Female & 3 cubs sired by Y Mark at Agarzhari buffer gate

Gauri Female & 3 Cubs Sired by Y Mark at Mamla Buffer Gate.

Things just can't get any better than this.

Regards,

Praveen Pai (Naturalist @ Tadoba)

Shambu has had a difficult phase, and it is important that his circumstances are understood through tiger behaviour rather than sensational labels.

As a naturalist who has had the privilege of tracking him numerous times, I have consistently seen an active, confident and remarkably bold male tiger. Holding a zone and maintaining territorial control on his own is not an easy task. Shambu has also played a significant role in establishing the Mohurli Buffer experience. While other tigers have added to the landscape, his presence, visibility and the benchmarks he has set have been a major reason for the zone’s tourism interest.

The human fatality is tragic and deserves sensitivity ofcourse. However, a tiger involved in a single human encounter should not automatically be branded a “man-eater.” Tigers respond to situations, and context matters enormously. In the reported encounter, Shambu was attempting to approach cattle when a person unexpectedly came into his path. Being hungry, stressed and confronted at close range, he appears to have reacted instinctively and defensively. A sudden charge or attack in such a situation does not necessarily indicate a deliberate pattern of predating on humans. Understanding this distinction is essential for responsible wildlife communication.

There has also been discussion about the visible bulging on his right foreleg. From field observations, this feature has reportedly been present for nearly two years and is not newly developed. During periods when Shambu was considerably heavier and more muscular, it was far less noticeable. His recent weight loss has made the existing contour appear much more prominent. It should not, however, be casually diagnosed as cancer or a tumour without veterinary examination.

Shambu is going through a difficult period, but difficult circumstances do not erase years of behaviour. Let us allow evidence, field observation and responsible conservation thinking to guide the conversation.

Regards,

Praveen Pai ( Naturalist @ Tadoba)

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Being a Naturalist & regular visitor on the field, it's always a pleasure to crack the codes, solve the puzzle & hence nail the sighting. Photographed at tadoba andheri Tiger reserve during peak monsoon hours, the whole tough situation of muddy track n trails was blessed with such an enchanting cat walk result.

Some mornings never feel routine.

Being a naturalist, heading into the forest for work is always exciting. Every safari still carries the feeling of Day 1, filled with curiosity and hope. For the past few weeks, all eyes have been on the much-loved tigress of Mohurli buffers, waiting for the day she would finally decide to shift her tiny cubs safely across the road.

The jungle never works on our schedule. We can only read the signs that nature offers, make our best judgement, and wait patiently.

Yesterday, on 6th August 2026, that moment finally unfolded. Watching Choti Madhu carefully lead her three tiny cubs across, each step measured and protective, was a privilege I'll never forget. Moments like these can never be replicated.

In this video: Choti Madhu with her three newborn cubs, sired by the mighty Shambu Male of Mohurli Buffers.

Regards,

Praveen Pai (Naturalist @ Tadoba)

An image that speaks I believe, I was fortunate enough to capture both the tiger & king fisher In a neat perspective.

Wild kingdom has lots to offer, being a photographer it's all about vision, the vision that can turn out to be a game changer, an instinctive second where you observe the field over the action happening around and make sure there is a break through happening which has to be examined & read so well, there ain't a second chance left over. That's wildlife photography i believe. 

Regards,

Praveen Pai

Tadoba Jungle : Lush Green & Big Cats, what a combo 🔥 [OC]

The jungle comes alive during the monsoon in a way no other season can match. Tadoba, the land of tigers and leopards, transforms into a lush green paradise, offering a truly refreshing experience.

With the monsoon arriving a little late this year, the coming weeks promise to be even more spectacular. One common misconception is that only the core zones offer the best wildlife sightings. In reality, that's far from true. Do two safari rounds in the buffer zones : especially Mohurli Buffer, and you'll understand why. The landscapes, dramatic light, rich biodiversity, and endless photography opportunities make these buffer safaris an absolute delight.

If you're a true nature lover, this is the perfect time to escape the city's chaos and immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of Central India. Make sure Tadoba is on your list this monsoon, you won't regret it.

Regards,

Praveen Pai

Naturalist @ Tadoba

A walk with mommy, a tender moment in the wild. I captured this photo from the tadoba forest reserve as I was on duty for rounds with my guests. Such tender moments reflect a lot of daily routines followed by us human living beings.

Shambhu, the male tiger, is finally back in the tourism area after a brief 10-day disappearance, reappearing on June 28, 2026.

He had gone completely elusive, leaving behind almost no clues. As a tracker, those nine days were far from being in my favor. Every passing day felt like solving an endless puzzle, and it was genuinely concerning to see him move away from his usual routines.But persistence paid off. Seeing Shambhu back has completely recharged all the energy that went into searching for him. Moments like these remind me why tracking is as much about patience, intuition, and calculation as it is about passion.

Welcome back, Shambhu.

A superior male tiger Photographed at tadoba forest reserve, Maharashtra - India.

One of the best hot spot destinations in India to see tigers at their royalty, nothing can beat the beauty tadoba offers.

Picture Credits : Clicknframe (Instagram)

[OC]

A daring eye contact which i could achieve after years of wait & patience. Wildlife photography has its own pros n cons but when handled the right way, it can spread wonders & this frame is all about that wonder which can only be conveyed with a healthy approach. Those intimidating eyes have a lot to offer & it's just via this free medium, a tool via which nature can communicate well with her audience. After years of waiting & finally achieving that one perspective of intimidation : this frame is all about that patience.

Those deadly Claws, just look at that sheer size & sharp factor.

Being a wildlife naturalist, tracking these species in the most difficult situation would be Monsoon season, as they tend to step out of no where and vanish to any possible tickets, and the extreme weather making it purely undebatable to handle. Here is such a photograph of an adult male tiger in lush greens from Central Indian Jungle : Tadoba andheri Tiger reserve, Maharashtra - India.