It is said that the evolution of the tiger in the past 2-3 million years has been the result of the expansion and diversification of prey species, namely ungulates (hoofed mammals like deer). In that period, there has been an evolutionary arms race occurring between predators like the tiger and those that it hunts, like this chital (spotted deer).

Chital have developed extraordinary senses and abilities to combat the tiger`s hunting ingenuity. Their large ears detect the faintest sound which might herald danger, but their speed is something incredible to behold. In fleeing for its life, a chital can quite often outrun and outmanoeuvre a tiger. As a result, the tiger has had to adapt to a hunting technique of stalk and ambush; a tiger must silently approach a chital with the upmost care and use cover to hide until a chital comes close enough for a surprise attack. Even with the tiger`s exceptional hunting abilities, it will only succeed in hunting between 1 out of 10 and 1 out of 20 hunting attempts. The tiger remains a force to be reckoned with and will always be one of the greatest hunters to ever exist, but proper respect must be given to its prey like the chital who, by the need for speed, have given the tiger few easy meals.