RIP Machali: Know more about Ranthambore's famous tigress

The famous tigress of Ranthambore, Machali, who has made an appearance in a 50-minute story with title of 'Tiger Queen' aired by National Geographic and Animal Planet channels, passed away on August 18

The famous tigress of Ranthambore, Machali, who has made an appearance in a 50-minute story with title of 'Tiger Queen' aired by National Geographic and Animal Planet channels, passed away on August 18. (Read more)

She turned 20 on June 1.

Machali. Pic/YouTube

One of the iconic figure of Ranthambore National Park in India, Machali is currently the world's oldest tigress.

While Machali has attained 20 years of age, the average life of a Royal Bengal Tiger is 10-15 years.

Machali was born in 1997 and was formerly, she was known as 'Jhalara'. She was named fish due a fish-shaped mark that had been seen on her mother's face. Originally, the name Machali derived or passed from her mother to daughter who had a fork-like mark on her face.

Machali was blessed eleven tiger cubs, including seven females and four males and it is her cubs which has made 60% of the park's population. Also, she has been contributing about Rs 65 crore per annum for the last 10 years to Rajasathan tourism.

Known for being fierce, she had once fought a 10-feet long mugger crocodile, and won. However, she lost a couple of canine teeth in the bargain. She was also known to protect her cubs from threats including from male tigers and other animals.

The Indian government issued a commemorative postal cover and stamp to honor the tigress for her ecological and economical contributions.

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