Maharashtra: Tadoba reserve’s legendary tiger, Waghdoh, dies of old age

The famous tiger Waghdoh, a popular attraction at the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) near Nagpur, died of old age on Monday. He was arguably one of India's oldest tigers in the wild and died at the age of 19 or 20 years. Waghdoh was also arguably one of the biggest tigers in India. But some wildlife lovers are of the opinion that the tigers of Dudhwa National Park and Jim Corbett National Park are bigger.

There is also a debate about the actual age of Waghdoh. While some claim he was over 20 years of age, some are of the opinion that he was over 19 years old, but the fact remains that he was one of the oldest living tigers in the wild. Ace wildlife photographer Sarosh Lodhi said, "Waghdoh was a massive tiger who attracted tourists to the TATR. The death of the legendary tiger is sad but that's the way nature is. I'm happy that he lived his life like a king and died a natural death in the jungle. He sired many tigers in the TATR landscape. It was a privilege to photograph him over the years."

Waghdoh was also called ‘Scarface' because of the scars on his face caused from fighting with other tigers. Wildlife lover Kamlesh Thakur, from Chandrapur, said, "I have seen the journey of Waghdoh from 2008 till date and there is no doubt that he has lived an extraordinary life. Tourists used to come to TATR just to get a glimpse of him. Waghdoh was named after the area where he was sighted for the first time in 2008. This legendary tiger has mated with a tigress from TATR in core and is the father of Mona, Lara, Geeta and Sonam, famously known as the tiger sisters of Telia lake."

‘Have a memorial for him'

Another wildlife photographer, Raj Krishnani, said, "If there was any tiger who made the frame look awesome it was him. Since first capturing him in 2012, I fell in love with Waghdoh. He was a gentle giant. Waghdoh has made Tadoba what it is today; the fame and glory is there because of him. His descendants rule a major part of Tadoba.

With Madhuri, the tigress, he gave us Lara and Sonam who are today legends themselves. I hope the forest department of Maharashtra gives him a proper burial and makes a memorial for him." It is also said that Waghdoh ruled Moharli Range of Tadoba core and buffer. Soon after the news about the death of Waghdoh went viral, messages paying tribute to the legendary tiger started pouring on social media.