Machali
Machali is one of the world’s most famous wild tigers, and is true tiger royalty. Brought up around the lakes, temples and fort of Ranthambhore, her life has long been in the media spotlight. Films, books and even lifetime achievement awards have made her a star of the wild tiger world.
Growing up with endless pilgrims walking through her wild realm to pay homage to their gods, she remains seemingly unconcerned by her human admirers. She was a fearless yet caring mother, nurturing an impressive nine cubs, in four separate litters, to adulthood.
Tenacious too, she's one of the only tigers ever seen to kill crocodiles. Today, retired to the fringes of the park, she is still is the regal grandmother of Ranthambhore. Many of the park's tigers are her own offspring and her eventual legacy will live on in another park nearby, Sariska, where two of her daughters were moved to start a new population.
Most recently, Machali is making her way back into old territory claimed by her daughter Satra who is now busy raising cubs. Is this proud matriarch making her come-back?
Machali was, until recently, the resident tigress of the area around the famous Ranthambhore Fort and lakes. Once home to powerful Maharajas and Maghuls, it was abandoned in the 16th century and the wilderness returned to this most picturesque park.
Here, glorious pleasure-domed palaces, lakes, and Formand fortress walls enclose ruined palaces and pillared temples. Onion-topped chattris provide shade; perfect resting places and great ambush sites for Machali, as she hunts her main prey, sambar deer, that bathe in the lakes, and spotted deer who graze the verges.
Machali is probably the most photographed tiger in the world. She has starred in a number of documentaries, had a library of books written on her and her park, and even received a TOFT Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to conservation and the wider Rajasthan economy.
While her name means 'fish' in Hindi, this was actually her mother's name, after a fish-like marking. While the name passed down, the marking didn't (all tigers have unique stripe patterns) and Machali's most distinguishing feature is a fork-like mark on her left cheek.
Machali was born during the monsoon months of 1997, probably in July. She has two other sisters but was always the dominant cub. She was first seen during the winter of 1997 and by the beginning of 1999 she had started hunting on her own: the first sign she was about to separate from her mother. Soon afterwards, her mother ceded a part of her territory to Machali and that's where she's spent the majority of her reign.
This was at the centre of the 350 square miles of the park, in a prime location, and among some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes. More recently, her daughter Sundari has usurped her range and pushed Machali to the park's fringes. Still, her range has a mix of different habitats, ranging from deep tree-lined valleys to sun scorched plateaus, and a high concentration of prey species.
Her former territory around the fort is still is visited by thousands of tourists each year, who come to catch a glimpse of her or her offspring. A huge number of pilgrims also walk to the temple of Lord Ganesh within the fort. Once a year, over three days, half-a-million pilgrims visit this temple. Machali has never tried to stalk, hide, or run from them, and it's a wonder that she's never attacked anyone.
During the summer months of 2000 she mated with a large male tiger called Bamboo Ram and three months later she gave birth to two male cubs. We named them Broken Tail (because his tail was broken) and Slant Ear (for reasons no-one remembers). By the end of December 2001 both these cubs, now teenagers, separated from Machali and sadly we never saw Slant Ear again.
For around 18 months, Broken Tail lived in a small territory at the edge of park, overrun with cattle grazers and a dearth of prey. Somewhere in the summer of 2003, probably forced by lack of water, Broken Tail decided to leave Ranthambhore. In August 2003, we were sad to hear that a passenger train had run him down about a 100 miles away, in a heavily-populated farming region of Rajasthan.
Soon after Broken Tail and Slant Ear separated from their mother, she mated again with another male tiger called Nick Ear. By now, Bamboo Ram had died of old age and Nick Ear had taken over his territory and was the dominant male within Machali’s territory.
By May 2002 Machali had given birth to her second litter. We first saw them on the 30th of June (the day before Ranthambhore closed for the monsoon season) in the Nalghati valley, and there were three cubs. Machali was carrying one softly in her mouth and the other two were following her. However, one of these cubs did not survive and when Ranthambhore reopened for visitors in October that year there were now only two cubs left. We named the male Jhumaroo and the female Jhumari.
By the end of 2004 her second litter had left her side and she was seen mating again, this time with another large male known as 'X' because nobody knew much about him or where he had come from.
Around this time Ranthambore was again under siege from highly-organised tiger poachers (many from the well-known poaching community on the edge of the park) and the dominant tiger, Nick Ear fell to their bullets. Soon after her mating with 'X', she drove Jhumaroo and Jhumari from her area. Jhumaroo rapidly set up his own territory in Lahpur, taken over ground from the poached male tigers that once lived there. Jhumari disappeared soon after, and our guess is that she simply didn't survive the separation from her mother - something that happens relatively often.
Jhumaroo inherited Machali's skill as a crocodile hunter. Living beside lakes full of India most deadly reptiles, this was behaviour that had never been seen before in the wild. All of these long scraps with crocodiles (one lasting a remarkable 13 hours) took their toll on Machali, however, and she lost a couple of canine teeth in the process.
In March 2005, at the relatively advanced age of eight, Machali gave birth to her third litter of two cubs - a male we called Bunty and a female called Bubbly. These two cubs stayed with her until October 2006. When these cubs were young, we were pretty sure that they'd be Machali’s last.
However, much to our surprise, Machali gave birth to a fourth litter during the monsoon months of 2006. This time she had three cubs. These cubs are now full grown and independently established: Satra, Athara, and Unnis.
Today Machali is old, has lost almost all her teeth and most of her territory, and lives not on a diet of deer, but slow-moving cattle on the fringes of the park. Her daughter Satra had at one point driven her out. But, as Satra is distracted with raising her cubs, it might be time for Machali to make her return and reclaim her land.
Machali’s inevitable legacy will survive however. In 2009, Bubbly was darted and moved to Sariska Tiger Reserve, followed a few months later by another of her daughters, Athara. Today. they are the nucleus of a new line of tigers in this tiger park, only 100 miles from Ranthambhore.
These life stories were brought to you after years of careful observation, notes and photography. Aditya Singh is a principal contributor together with many of Ranthambhore’s nature guiding community, and the success of Tigerwatch’s ongoing intelligence. Read all their blogs here
26 Jan 2014 Tiger diary about 2 years ago
Where has Machali gone? by Julian Matthews
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
28 Sep 2013 Tiger diary over 2 years ago
MONSOON DIARY - Just how important is Machali ? by Julian Matthews
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Hi alodge - are you from the Achanakmar area yourself? never quite made it there but always wanted to. I believe if we could get wildlife tourism into teh area it would really help in developing a pride in restoration over destruction!
Beautiful narration. Similar stories can be built in Achnakmar Tiger Reserve in chhattisgarh where there are no tigers left though the jungle is much bigger and greener than anywhere else. Hope an article is put in this magazine about the rehabilitation of Tigers and Deers.
Absolutely fabulous tribute. Machali will always be remembered with great fondness. Her beauty is captivating and her contribution to the Ranthambhore park is immense. Thanks for all the updates on all our tigers !
Thanks for this article Julian, it's a great summary of Machalis achievements. I think another of her achievements is the cubs she has raised. Although she hasn't had as many cubs as other tigresses, I think the majority of her cubs are still alive & well and between them have & continue to help boost tiger numbers. Some have even been relocated to other parks where tigers were wiped out by poachers, to help restore them. Also, I think that when the day does come that Machali leaves this world, there should definitely be some kind of ceremony/celebration to honour her life, that so many of us have watched from a distance.
21 May 2013 Tiger diary almost 3 years ago
A load of lunches - if Machali can keep it. by Julian Matthews
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
One amazing tigress. Makes me hope and prey Pyari is out there somewhere living out her dotage too in the same way.
22 Mar 2013 Tiger diary almost 3 years ago
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
I'm so pleased to learn that Machali is alive & well. I have seen 3 amazing documentaries about her and she was the first tiger i looked for when i joined tiger nation. Stay strong machali so we can continue to follow you on you adventures.
I seem to remember Machli from the television series Land of the Tiger with Valmak Thapar some years ago. It was a wonderful series.
Good old Machli. What a feisty old lady she is. Reports like this put a smile on your face, especially after the sad news earlier this week of the young tigress who died suddenly.
12 Mar 2013 Tiger diary almost 3 years ago
A good pension plan by Julian Matthews
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Saw Machali in Rathambore the other week! Zone 4. Big rush to get there. She was hiding behind some grasses. Had watched a film about her her life at the hotel - like a Shakespeare tragedy! Awesome to see the grandmother of tigers in the flesh! Keep up the good work Machali! We all respect you.
Stay strong Machali. We're booked for our annual piligrimage to see you in June.
incredible tigress
Good old Machli, she really is an incredible Tiger.
05 Jan 2013 Tiger diary about 3 years ago
Occupation is nine tenths of tiger law. by Yadvendra Singh
Tiger: Machali
Reserve: Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
really like to diaries. keep them up
Wise old Machali, shes a tigress just like old people visiting bygone times before the end. Great diary.
Photos
Photos:
57
Activity
02 Nov 2015 Photo was added 4 months ago
Uploaded by
Sundeep Kheria
Pranjita, a few months back Julian said Machali is very much on the fringes of the park these days - near the offices of Tigerwatch. xx
Which area she is these days? Any idea? Am visiting in April...really want to see her.
Is there any further information about Machali.
no further info on that..i am hoping it was either misinformation or a reference to a previous fight she had. anyway not clear but if there was anything we would already have known by now?
Oh no! I hope Machali is OK does anyone have info on the injury that Sriram has mentioned?
just read that she was badly injured by Sultan in a fight!..hows she holding up any updates anyone? she had such a great impact on tiger conservation and its awareness over the last decade or so and is such a beautiful tigress!. Her picture by Balendu Singh with her 3 daughters in Tow mesmerizes me every day.
I just read on Facebook that Machali has attacked a herdsman on November 5th. Surely this is not true, she's lived with millions of people walking through her territory for years, does anyone know anything about this?
So nice to see her. wish u good health dear.
I'm so glad to see a new photo of Machli! She's my hero.
It's great to see you (Sundeep Kheria) & your fab photos here on TN! It always gives me immense joy seeing new photos of Machali!
Fabulous to see royalty again - even if she is now one eyed!
15 Feb 2015 Photo was added about 1 year ago
Uploaded by
amitnibedita
She is the most magnificent of tigers. I was taken in immediately when I saw her story. Are there still sightings of her today? Is she well?
Thanks Julian
Correct. She is being watched closely and fed occasionally too!
Julian is Machali still being watched closely by the forest guards? I think she needs to be, especially as she's on the fringes of the park
With park closed we have not heard. She is very much on the fringes of the park these days - near the offices of Tigerwatch!
any new/recent sightings of this beautiful aging queen?
Any new updates of this Hon. queen? This weeks/months pics? Health reports please?
Guys i need help here pls. We are in the midst of starting a top notch resort in Panna 1 Km from the park entrance. Am getting a lot of mixed feedback as to the viability the the project. Will it be a good idea to do so as the international airport is set to open in Khajuraho this year & it looks like tourism will boom. Any ideas?
It was 2012 when i spotted him not 2013 cant remember the area though the forest guard that appeared was talking about some pag dandi no 7 which was closed the day before when we went. He appeared out of this 'T" junction when we were on our way back to center point. Walked right past us on the road marking his territory b4 disappearing into the tall grass near a nala.
Thanks for your reply shikari69. The reason I was so curious about the date of your sighting was because I think I read on your photo as sighted in 2013. And the last confirmed sighting of Naak Kata that I know of was in April 2013. He hasn't been seen since then. He was an old male, and as you said, in a bad shape. He is most likely gone now. So just wanted to know whether you saw him after April 2013. He was a majestic male, but quite shy. And yes, I think in the last few years, his whereabouts started to change like it happens with many old tigers. I saw him in October 2011 and at that time too, he turned up in an area where he was not usually seen. And similar to your sighting, he went about marking territory for a good 50 mins, stalked a Sambur, and charged onto a Jackal. Do you remember the name of the area where you sighted him?
Thanks for the update. I say Nak kata in Kanha sometime Nov 2012 looked in pretty bad shape. Had a tooth broken too have about 2000 shots of him. Was with him for a full 45 min. Came out of the bush marking his territory on the furthest end where he is rarely seen. Why is Panna national park not covered here. there are some nice spottings happening there was there last week saw T5 but could not get a shot.
@Shikari69 Bamboo Ram and Nick are two different males. Bamboo Ram sired Machli's first litter and is father of Broken Tail. Nick was her second mate and is father of Jhumroo. By the way, I saw your photos of the Naak Kata male of Kanha and had left a comment of your photo asking you about the sighting. Can you tell me the date of your sighting of Naak Kata male tiger?
Machli had a mate called Nick is he the same as bambooram as his litter 2 & 3 are the same there seems to be some mistake here. Broken tails father was someone else watch the episode of valmik thappar danger in tiger paradise. Conflicting data
Thanks Aishwarya I really hope so
I think this is from a while back.
Is this a new.recent photo or is that from a while back when Machali injured her paw? I'm truly hoping this isn't a fresh injury!
I love seeing pictures of Machali; she is my favorite tiger. But I hope she isn't injured badly.
Hi Amit - you didn't say when this was taken. Recently? Looks like a nasty problem with one of her claws? Was she limping?
27 Jan 2015 Photo was added about 1 year ago
The latest image of the First Lady of Ranthambhore T-16 aka Machhli. As per the forest guards who track her, she's hale and heart and she can even hunt occasionally. Apologies for poor image quality as it has been taken from mobile
Tiger:
Machali
Reserve:
Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Uploaded by
Trayambak Ojha
Wow! She looks incredible! Thanks for sharing, seeing new photos of Machali brings me great joy
GREAT !!!
Always brings me great joy to see new photos & get updates on Machali, thanks for sharing. Machali has a special place in my heart, she's incredible!
She's turning 18 this year.
A tiger's 19th year means 95 years of human life. She's still a head turner. Is she still fed by forest department? Long live old girl
An amazing Tigress!
Glad to hear she is still healthy. Beautiful photo of a beautiful tigress!
I am so glad that this beautiful girl is still living!
Nice to see her!
Truly a legend she is!!
Wonderful to see her. Thank you as she enters her 19th year!
15 Dec 2014 Photo was added about 1 year ago
Machali, looking everyone of her years, visibly wary and ill at ease. Upset to see her like this.
Tiger:
Machali
Reserve:
Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Uploaded by
Adrian Mann
She may look a little worse for wear, but I'm glad to see Machali is OK Thanks for sharing
Was this image taken after her eye injury was reported? Or was it taken before that?
We adore Machali and were privileged to see her hunting in 2010. She is lucky to have reached old age and I understand the rangers feed her now? I hope she is being well looked after as we humans owe her so much!
Good to see atleast she has not lost an eye as was reported. also both fore paws look ok here. She is our Grande Dame and deserves all the love and respect that she gets.
Old age comes to very few tigresses and should be respected. Though she looks a little tired and worn she also looks well fed.
Although her exact physical condition couldn't be ascertained due to low light, she was sighted in zone-5 on the late evening of 11th December.
Oh that is a truly sorry picture of the old matriarch Adrian - but thank you
09 Nov 2014 Photo was added over 1 year ago
Twilight of the Ex Queen Machali. It is a miracle that she has survived many seasons without canines and real strength to make regular kills to feed.
Tiger:
Machali
Reserve:
Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Uploaded by
Trayambak Ojha
I understand that she had a fight with T-72 over a kill and got severely injured...possibly loosing an eye and bad gash on her leg...she is also seems to moved to ambi ghati from her current territory...while it looks like she is on her last journey (to Happy Hunting Ground) ...please update on her health and possible where abouts..
I hope she continues to make it. I'm coming to Ranthambore this December just to look at her.
Thanks Kshitij. Amazing she's still making it!
@Kay ma'am I had read on Facebook some days back that Machli has been seen this season after parks reopened after monsoon. The post was within a week after Ranthambhore opened this October.
Is this recent shot? Has she been spotted yet this season?
13 Aug 2014 Photo was added over 1 year ago
Machali with injured left paw. Taken around 8AM on June 8, 2014 in Zone 5.
Tiger:
Machali
Reserve:
Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
Uploaded by
Claude Nathan
Any update on Machali? How is she doing ?
Thsi is the same bug problem Claude with your lovely photo.
21 Jun 2014 Photo was added over 1 year ago
Uploaded by
Chandrabhal Singh
Is there any documentation re oldest known Tigers etc in wild and captivity.? Soo
Still As Handsome as ever.
long live for the queen
16 May 2014 Photo was added almost 2 years ago
Uploaded by
Emmanuel Francis
Kshitij Thank you, Imust have missed the end of the of the link, that's why it did not work. You are quite right, in the video Machali's eyes have more of a sparkle than in the photo & she is alert to the sounds around her. However, she still looks quite frail. I truly believe the decision to stop feeding her when necessary is cruel, especially when they have fed her when needed for some time now.
@Tigerfan - I was able to watch the video. Make sure you are using the entire link "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PENGKT-VlII" In the video, her eyes still look quite lively and the alertness is still there in the sense she is seen continuously moving her ears to scan all around. :)
Tried the link for the video but it says it does not exist
Bless her, she is really showing her age now.
She was looking very weak... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PENGKT-VlII Here is the video too..
Our Queen is looking thin. Have they stopped feeding her already?
