Machli (T-16) Tigress Ranthambore National Park

Machali (Hindi for "fish"; code name: T-16), was a celebrated Bengal tigress from Ranthambore National Park in India. Born in the spring of 1997, she became a symbol of tiger conservation and tourism, earning titles like Queen Mother of Tigers and Lady of the Lakes. Machali played a crucial role in revitalizing the tiger population in the park during the early 2000s, with her lineage contributing to a remarkable increase from 15 tigers in 2004 to about 50 by 2014. She was recognized as India's most famous tigress and, upon her death on August 18, 2016, was one of the oldest living tigresses in the wild.

Machali’s life began as the dominant cub in a litter of three, inheriting her name from her mother, also named Machali due to a distinctive fish-shaped mark on her face. Over her lifespan, she had five litters, producing a total of eleven cubs—seven females and four males—many of whom went on to populate the park. Two of her female cubs were even relocated to Sariska Tiger Reserve, where they helped boost that area’s tiger population as well.

Known for her impressive hunting skills, Machali famously fought and killed a 14-foot mugger crocodile in 2003, an incident that further solidified her reputation as a fierce protector of her cubs against threats, including male tigers. Her charisma attracted numerous tourists, reportedly generating about $10 million annually for India. In recognition of her contributions, she received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Travel Operators For Tigers and was honored with a commemorative postal cover and stamp by the Indian government in 2013.

Machali's story has been extensively documented, making her one of the most photographed tigresses in the world. She featured in various wildlife documentaries, including the National Geographic special "Tiger Queen" and the BBC's "Queen of Tigers: Natural World Special."

In her later years, Machali faced health challenges, including the loss of teeth and eyesight, leading to her daughter Sundari taking over her territory. Although park staff provided her with food, this intervention raised debates among conservationists about the balance between human aid and natural wildlife behavior. Ultimately, Machali's health deteriorated, and she passed away at 19, surpassing the average lifespan of wild tigers. Her cremation was held in accordance with Hindu traditions, marking the end of a remarkable life that left a lasting impact on wildlife conservation efforts.