Tigress T 21 Ranthambore National Park

Tigress T-21 Ranthambore National Park

Tigress T-21, also known as Sultanpur, was one of the well-known tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Her story reflects the resilience and adaptation of the tigers in Ranthambore, and her life played an essential role in shaping the park’s tiger dynamics. Here’s a comprehensive look at her journey.

Early Life and Background

Tigress T-21, or Sultanpur, was born in the early 2000s and was a part of the older generation of tigers in Ranthambore. She was named after the Sultanpur area in which she spent a large portion of her life. Her parents were T-4 and an unidentified male, which is typical in the wild due to limited tracking technologies in the earlier days of tiger conservation in Ranthambore.

Territory and Zones

T-21 primarily held her territory in the Sultanpur region, located in the eastern part of Ranthambore National Park. She would often be sighted in Zone 6 and occasionally in neighboring areas. This region is known for its rugged landscapes and relatively sparse tourist traffic compared to the central zones, giving T-21 the freedom to hunt, mark her territory, and raise her cubs away from disturbances.

Personality and Dominance

Sultanpur was known for her calm yet assertive personality. Unlike some of the more aggressive tigresses in Ranthambore, she was observed to be gentle and nurturing, especially around her cubs. However, she was fiercely protective when required, particularly in her interactions with other tigers or potential threats in her territory. Her adaptability to different environments within her territory made her a resilient figure in Ranthambore’s ecosystem.

Mating and Offspring

Throughout her life, T-21 contributed significantly to the tiger population in Ranthambore by raising several litters of cubs. Her known offspring included notable tigers who went on to establish territories in other parts of the park. The survival rate of her cubs was relatively high, attributed to her protective nature and the strategic location of her territory, which allowed her to provide a safe upbringing for her young.

Challenges in Her Territory

The Sultanpur region was home to several competing tigers, which made T-21’s life challenging. Despite her calm nature, she often had to defend her territory against both female and male tigers, especially as her cubs matured and began exploring the area. Additionally, Sultanpur’s territory was on the edge of human habitation, posing challenges such as potential encounters with villagers and livestock, which is a known conflict in areas adjacent to tiger reserves.

Later Years and Legacy

As T-21 aged, younger tigresses began encroaching on her territory. She adapted to these changes by moving further into secluded areas and reducing her territory size. However, her contributions to the park were immense. Through her offspring and territorial influence, T-21’s presence helped stabilize the tiger population in the eastern parts of Ranthambore.

Her legacy is not only marked by her cubs but also by the continuity of tiger presence in the Sultanpur region. Her life demonstrated the adaptability and resilience of tigers in the face of natural and human challenges. While T-21 eventually disappeared from regular sightings, her impact remains evident in the continued presence of tigers in her territory, a testament to her role as a crucial part of Ranthambore’s ecosystem.

Tigress T-21, or Sultanpur, was a vital figure in Ranthambore National Park. Her life represents the determination and adaptability of the tigers of Ranthambore. Known for her calm yet protective nature, T-21 successfully raised cubs who continue her legacy in the park. She stands as a symbol of the park’s efforts in tiger conservation, her life contributing to the enduring presence of tigers in Ranthambore.