Tigers hunt on the ground. That is what most of us grow up believing. So when a clip from Ranthambore National Park shows a full-grown tiger calmly sitting on a tree, it naturally makes people pause. The
rare video has been circulating online, leaving wildlife lovers surprised and curious. The video was shared on Instagram by wildlife photographer Faiz ul Islam.
Instead of capturing the tiger mid-climb, the clip opens with the animal already settled among the branches. The big cat appears relaxed, using the tree as a lookout point over the forest. Sharing the video, Islam wrote, “Unbelievable and rare sighting of a tiger on a tree, usually a tiger not habitual in climbing.” He later described it as “Ranthambore’s Unexpected Wildlife.”
Why This Behaviour Is So Rare
Islam also explained why the sighting stands out. “Tigers rarely climb trees because their heavy body, long claws, and large size make climbing difficult. They are built for strength, sprinting, and hunting on the ground, unlike leopards, which are agile climbers,” read his post. Tigers rely on power and stealth, not vertical movement. That’s what makes this moment so striking. It challenges the fixed idea of how these animals behave in the wild.
Internet Reacts With Awe And Humour
As expected, the comment section turned lively. One user explained the possible logic behind the tiger’s choice, writing, “It is a 4- to 6-foot-tall tree that is easy to climb. Tiger has therefore decided to make it his new home, as it gives him a clear view of the surrounding forest and any potential prey sightings.”
Another comment read, “RIP leopards of the area.”
Some viewers questioned the clip itself, with one simply commenting, “AI.”
Others leaned into humour again. One user joked, “Tiger DNA software updated version 2026.”
Ranthambore National Park is known for something many wildlife reserves rarely offer— regular daytime tiger sightings set against a striking historical backdrop. The park’s ancient fort walls and ruins are often used by tigers as resting or lookout points, creating scenes where history and wildlife overlap naturally.
Some of the most frequently spotted tigers around the fort area belong to the lineages of well-known tigresses such as Noor (T-39) and Riddhi (T-124), with the legacy of the iconic Machli (T-16) still shaping the park’s tiger territory today.
