Legendary and a magnetic attraction for wild life photographers and enthusiasts at Ranthambor, Machhli or T-16 ,died at the age of 19 succumbing to a long illness.

Machhli was the longest surviving tigress, and was given the title of Queen of Ranthambore National Park.  This title was accorded to her for her bravery and tourist friendly attitude; which caught attention when she fought and killed a 14ft long crocodile in Ranthambore.

Due to her illness, the tigress had not been eating properly, had lost all her teeth and vision in one eye, confirmed forest officials.  YK Sahu, Field Director at the Tiger Reserve said that the tigress had been found ill during a forest tracking operation, near a luxury resort and since then had been under observation by Vets and forest staff.

Known to be a loving mother, she used her muscular frame to challenge many male tigers who would pose a threat to her cubs.  Being a mother of 9 cubs, she was very photo friendly and tourists at the Park considered their visit incomplete without getting a glimpse of her.

T-16 was given the name “Machhli” because of a unique fish shaped mark on her face.  Her fame resulted in a postal stamp in her name, a dedicated Facebook page and has been instrumental in the making of many documentaries and short wild life films.

Her name is sure to go down in history as the world’s most admired Tigress.

Source: The Financial Express

Photo Courtesy: planetcustodian, ranthamborenationalpark