The Indian wolf is a highly endangered predator and it is rare to even sight one in daylight. I was with another photographer in a place called Baasur Kaval where two wolf packs had been sighted. We caught a glimpse of a small pack of two cubs with parents and went after them in our vehicle. However, they managed to run off into a wooded area which was too slushy for our vehicle. So, we had to get down and track them on foot. As soon as we saw them, the female ran away with the cubs, but the male stood his ground and barked out a long and clear warning not to come closer. This was the first time I had heard of (or heard) a wolf 'barking'! The next day we heard the cubs howling; so, it seemed that while howling was a form of communication, barking was a warning call.
Species: Indian wolf (Canis lupus)
Location: Baasur Kaval, Karnataka, India
Date: June 2009
Camera: Canon 1D Mlll
Lens: Canon 500 f4 with 1.4 TC
Specs: ISO 400, f5.6, 1/400s, taken hand-held, on foot
Thank you for taking the time out to look, and for your comments/ critiques.
Superb shot Ajit. Don't like the frame. Image doesn't need it, :). But your comp, and tension portrayed speaks volumes. Wonderful. Like the atmosphere too. Very much to enjoy. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks, David, for pointing out that the frame is not essential. Maybe, it is a cultural thing, but I have found that most Indians like a frame around their images. I need to change! :)
Ajit, excellent moment captured of a wonderful species. The barking posture speaks volumes. As an aficionado of the gray wolf, this is a real treat to see. Well done and congrats for being prepared!
Hi Ajit,
Lovely image. I like the pose. I would have given more space at the left to avoid the empty space between two trees at the right. I agree with David regarding the frame. Lot of people use frames in photosharing sites. However, I feel the frames distract in critiquing. The repost by Peter is nice.
I haven't heard of wolves barking. I wish you could have recorded it somehow. Thanks for sharing.
I think the space around the wolf is fine as is. The repost helps with the darkening and makes an improvement. All that being said, this is wonderful image of a rare and endangered animal and you should be quite proud of this shot. It is just teriffic! Congratulations!
Thank you, Peter, for reworking on my image! The haze that you referred to was because it had rained the previous day and you can even see the droplets on the grass. And, Sabyasachi, the barking sounded exactly like the bark of a large dog, like a German Shepherd.
Indian wolf
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