T 16 or Machali

[dickysingh]

Machali or T 16 is the "star" of Ranthambhore. She is the central character in a number of films including 4 by BBC Wildlife Division. She has successfully raised 4 litters - a total of 9 cubs - to adulthood. T 17 or Sundari, the other tigress that has been profiled in the "Ranthambhore Tiger Database" is the dominant cub of her last litter. Machali ruled over the most scenic parts of Ranthambhore - the area o the lakes. She recently ceded her territory to T 17, her daughter.

 

Machali means "fish" in Hindi. Her mother who dies in 1989 was known as Machali because she had a mark on her left cheek that resembled an outline of a fish. The "original" Machali died while BBC was shooting a documentary on her. Since they had already shot more than half the film, they named her dominant daughter Machali and the name stuck.

 

Her trademark is the "fork" on her left cheek (see below).

 

[dickysingh]

This is another one of Machali or T16 - with her three daughters (&17, T18 and T19) from her last litter

 

[Game Warden]

She is protected by Shiva, judging from the trident. Thanks Dicky for introducing Machali. Looks like T18 and T19 are next. Keep these wonderful images coming.

 

Matt

[dickysingh]

The entire gang from the last litter of Machali (T16 the mother and her 3 daughters T 17, T 18 & T 19). T 18 has since been "relocated" to another tiger reserve in Rajasthan called Sariska.

 

[dickysingh]

Machali with the three cubs from her last litter

 

[dickysingh]

T 16 or Machali ID shots and Range

 

[twaffle]

Thanks Dicky, she is a magnificent tigress.

Hilary