09 Mar, 2026

Ranthambore Mourns the Loss of Tigress T-94, The Great-Granddaughter of Machli

The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has recorded a significant loss with the passing of Tigress T-94, a prominent figure in the Khandar range. The 11-year-old tigress was discovered dead during an early morning patrol on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the Ghoda Ghati area.

Lineage and Legacy

T-94 was a direct descendant of the legendary "Queen of Ranthambore," Machli (T-16). Carrying a prestigious genetic legacy, T-94 was the daughter of Tigress T-63 (Chanda) and the granddaughter of T-19 (Krishna). By being the great-granddaughter of Machli, T-94 represented the third generation of one of the most celebrated bloodlines in tiger conservation history.

Known for her commanding presence in the rugged terrain of the Khandar range, T-94 successfully raised a litter of two cubs in 2022, ensuring that the Machli lineage continues to thrive within the park.

Cause of Death

Following the discovery of her body, a post-mortem was conducted at Naka Rajbagh by a team of veterinary experts. While preliminary reports identify septicemia as a contributing factor, the examination revealed extensive multi-organ failure.

"The examination showed significant failure of the lungs, heart, and kidneys, with fluid accumulation in the organ cavity," stated Manas Singh, Divisional Forest Officer of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. While septicemia is believed to be the primary trigger, the final confirmation from tissue samples that have been sent to the veterinary laboratory is awaited.

Final Rites

The tigress' territory encompassing Ondi Khoh, Indala, Balaji, and Vindhyakada now remains vacant. In accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols, the body was cremated in the presence of forest officials, including Khandar Ranger Shailesh Agrawal.

The loss of T-94 marks the end of an era for the Khandar range, but her two-year-old offspring remain as a testament to her contribution to Ranthambore’s enduring tiger population.

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