The fight unfolded at the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India Credit: Jayanth Sharma/Animal News Agency
Dramatic images capture the moment a female tiger launched a ferocious attack on her mate after the male showed more interest in hunting than her advances.
Young male Ganesh, aged three, turned down Krishna, who reared up onto her hind legs and charged at him at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India.
The pair roared loudly as they were locked in battle, clawing and pouncing at one another.
The scrap was caught on camera by photographer Jayanth Sharma, who watched the fight unfold on a recent photography trip
The two tigers were locked in battle Credit: Jayanth Sharma/Animal News Agency
Jayanth, 41, said: “The female kept following him. She was very eager to court and this guy, who is arguably younger, wasn’t very sure he wanted this.
“They did mate eventually. But just when he retracted, she screamed and then moved six to eight feet towards him and slapped him.
“He then revolted, and both exchanged blows, making loud noises and roars.”
Krishna was left with a bloody nose and hurt pride, before the pair kissed and made up.
But the relationship only lasted a few more days, before Ganesh moved on to another mate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6HviJ-AOpc