Machli, the heart-winning tigress

A tigress of Ranthambore National Park has become very famous all over the world. Her name was Machli aka T -16. She was Bengal Tiger. The tigress Machli aka T -16 was also known by titles such as the queen of tigers in Ranthambore, the lady of the lake, the tigress that kills the crocodile and the queen of Ranthambore. Today we are going to tell you her story. It is known that even today she is the most famous tigress in the world.

Why was it named Machli?

She was named Machli because she had a fish-like mark on her face, which added to her beauty. According to Wikipedia, she was born in 1996 or 1997. But it was first seen in October 1997. Within two years, the tigress Machli (T-16) left her mother's territory and she herself started hunting. The tigress Machli was making its territory in the forests of Ranthambore. 

Gave birth to 11 cubs

The tigress Machli gave birth to a total of 11 cubs in its lifetime. Of these, seven were female and four were male tigers. Tigress T-16 aka Machli has a big contribution in increasing the number of tigers in Ranthambore National Park. 60 percent of the tigers in the Ranthambore National Park are related to her lineage. Two female cubs from the lineage of tigress Machli were sent to Sariska National Park to increase the number of tigers there. 

Also Read : The world's famous and most photographed tigress "Machli" in Ranthambore National Park

Tigress Machli hunted crocodile

The tigress Machli was known for its hunting style and strength. In the year 2003, the tigress Machli had a fight with a 14 feet long crocodile. In this fight, the canine teeth of the tigress Machli were broken, but she still fought with the crocodile until she killed it.

Eventually the tigress Machli killed the 14-foot-long crocodile and became famous as the Crocodile Killer.

The tigress Machli was the center of attraction in Ranthambore National Park. She also used to fight with dangerous male tigers and other wild animals to save her cubs. The tigress Machli attracted millions of tourists every year for jungle safaris in Ranthambore National Park and India earned about US$10 million per year. 

Received Life Time Achievement Award

You will be surprised to know that the tigress Machli aka T-16 has also received the Life Time Achievement Award. According to travel tour operators, she used to give a business of about 65cr every year. Most pictures in the world have been taken of the tigress Machli of Ranthambore.

In 2013, the Indian government issued a commemorative postal cover and stamp to honor the tigress Machli. Many wildlife documentary films have been made on the tigress Machli. Including a 50-minute documentary titled Tiger Queen. This wildlife documentary was broadcast on National Geographic and Animal Planet channels. 

The tigress Machli had lost its teeth

According to wildlife experts, the lifespan of a Bengal tiger is about 15 years. But the tigress Machli of Ranthambore died at the age of about 20 years. The tigress Machali had almost lost all its teeth in old age. The female Tiger Sundari who was her daughter was giving her competition. The forest department was giving her captive animals as prey. Finally the world famous Ranthambore tigress Machli said goodbye to the world on 18 August 2016. The tigress Machli was cremated according to Hindu rituals.