Mother tigress becomes embroiled in a fierce duel with her DAUGHTER as they clash over dominance and territory in India

• A tigress became locked in a fierce duel with her daughter at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India
• They were likely fighting for territory or dominance, wildlife photographer Parag Bhatt said 
• 'This duel of a young and independent daughter Sultana with her mother Noor,' Bhatt said of the images  

These incredible images show the moment a tigress was locked in a fierce duel with her daughter.

The dramatic moment between the massive tigers unfolded in an open, lush green area at the Ranthambore National Park in western state of Rajasthan in India.

The adolescent tigress Sulatana and her mother Noor are seen clashing with each other for roughly 20 seconds. Photographer Parag Bhatt believes the pair were most likely fighting for territory and dominance.

The intense moments were captured by Bhatt, a 61-year-old wildlife photographer from Mumbai in Maharashtra state.

Mr Bhatt, who has been passionately involved in wildlife photography for 15 years, witnessed the stand-off between the tigresses for the first time.

He said: 'This duel of a young and independent daughter Sultana with her mother Noor, presumably for territory and dominance, will always remain etched in my memory.  

'Contrary to what I have always observed on my countless trips into the wild wherein I've always seen the mother doting on her young and protecting them, this time around, I experienced something which left me spellbound!

'Sultana started stalking the mother from behind.

'Unaware of her daughter creeping up behind her, Noor was ambling towards us on a narrow path.

'In a flash, Sultana darted towards her unsuspecting mother and an encounter followed which lasted for about 20 secconds and left us in awe! I can still hear the growls each time I think about this encounter. 

Luckily, the wild cats were unhurt in the encounter after the mother surrendered and walked away meekly.