Genghis ... The Lakeside Predator

Ranthambore National Park

Tigers have been a part of folklore and legends of this country for ages unknown. They are revered, feared and almost have attained the throne like a god in our culture. Time also stands unstirred to it's possie. When one thinks that we have known every thing that is there to know of this legendary animal, it pops out surprises from it's quiver of enigmatic nature. The story I am about to tell you is of one such extra-ordinary tiger, who defied natural laws in it's attempt to adaptation and left behind a patrimony that became a trademark of tigers of the lakes of Ranthambore. Let me introduce you to the first master lake predator ... "GENGHIS".

The lakes of Rathambore have always been the pivoting point of it's tigers history. While many fabled tigers that ruled this area have attained stardom, some have been lost in the sands of time. The world is well acquainted with names like "Machali", Sundari, Krishna, Arrowhead... but it was Genghis who invented the art of hunting in and around the lakes and his mate "Noon" followed suit. Generation after generation this trend became a defining feature of lake tigers.

Early life 

Genghis snarling at his visitors

Very little is known of his origin. It was during an evening of November 1983 that he was first sighted near Jogi Mahal. The area was unclamied by a male tiger then and Genghis reigned over it. While the sun was taking a dip beyond the western horizon on 15 January, 1984 Genghis presence was again felt around Jogi Mahal and Padam talao with reverberating vociferous roars. The next morning he was seen feasting on a boar piglet near the lake.Genghis was a massive tiger weighing around 230 kilograms. Contrast to his highly muscular and powerful built he walked with unhurried and hushed steps making him a perfect feline predator.
He established his dominance by occasional roaring and charging. Twitching tail was a mark of his manifested aggression. Gallantly he would make away with crocodile kills sometimes, dragging the sambar carcass through the lotus vines and weeds effortlessly... growling, snarling and splashing water all along to keep the massive reptiles at bay. He charged at everything that invaded his zone of comfort especially during feasting, snarls and growls were common warning and if one was lucky enough would also be  greeted with a mock charge. Sloth bears are considered one of the most unpredictable beasts of the forest and tigers even keep their distance but Genghis would not hesitate to chase them off when encountered. True to his name he was the fearless warrior ... Genghis.

   The art of hunting in the waters

Chasing a sambar by the Padam talao

Tigers are one of the two large cats (other being the Jaguar) in the world who are comfortable in waters. Though hunting in the waters is seen in some tigers generally of the swamplands of Sundarbans, but the mainland tigers do not venture much into waters for hunting. It was surprising to see what Genghis was doing around the Padam talao. He had mastered the art of bringing down sambar deer near the lakes who ventured into the shallow waters lured by the tender foliage. The dry grass providing an excellent cover on the water's edge and his patient stalking skills ensured his highest chance of success. And what better time than summers to witness this specialist at work. He had developed two different strategies...

Stratergy 1:-  He would stalk the sambar in the tall grass facing the lake near Jogi Mahal, and waited patiently until the sambar were bust high in the waters. Then so as to shock and scatter them he would jolt out of the grass with a roar. Panicked and disoriented the sambar would flee in mindless manner. At this opportune moment he would take advantage cut off either of their exist on the right or left and strike down one.    

 
Stratergy 2:- Genghis was well aware of his speed and strength, to which the sambar were no match, not even an adult stag. He would on occasions chase the whole herd into the lake head on. Then swim off to one lagging member and drag it down. He enjoyed his meal in private often in hiding, in the grass by the lake side.  

Gone with the Monsoon

Genghis dominated the area around Jogi Mahal during the summers of 1984. He did find a partner and possibly mated as well. The advent of monsoon is the beginning of a period of  uncertainty for the wildlife. Many perish and many flourish as well. Genghis was last seen during early monsoon in 1984 near Rajbagh Palace, where he lay enjoying the noon sun rays by the lake. His orange skin glittered golden in the sun, twisting and turning as he rolled in the grass. He was at peace with his kingdom. A sight that every tiger lover would rejoice... but unfortunately it was his last audience. 

That monsoon he disappeared without a trace. In the beginning of the new season in October he was gone and never seen again. The sambar grazed fearlessly near the lakes with no one to charge at them from the bushes. The eerie silence by the lakes with no cacophony of alarm calls felt a little weird. It was like the king had left for a new abode abandoning his throne at the palace. Genghis appeared in the canvas of Ranthambore for brief span of time but the legacy he left behind immortalised him. Noon, his partner was seen following his traits in the years to come. 

*The sad part is that the most prevalent theory of his disappearance is that he was poached during the monsoon season.*

This article is based on the narration of events by Mr. Valmik Thapar in his book entitled "Living with Tigers".

DISCLAIMER 

I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF ANY OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS ARTICLE. THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. IT IS ONLY MEANT FOR EDUCATIONAL AND AWARENESS PURPOSE. I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.