Arrowhead: The Queen of Ranthambore Waters

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve said goodbye to Arrowhead (T-84) yesterday, a truly iconic tigress whose life story was as captivating as her piercing gaze. She passed away near Jogi Mahal, leaving behind a legacy that will forever echo through the reserve's waters and dense forests. At 11 years old, Arrowhead, a direct descendant of the legendary Machhli (T-16) – famously known as the 'Crocodile Killer' – had her remarkable talent: she was an unparalleled crocodile hunter. It was her extraordinary ability to stalk and take down crocodiles that truly set her apart, an awe-inspiring sight that cemented her fame among wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Arrowhead's journey began in March 2014. Born to Krishna (T-19) and Star Male (T-28), her name, inspired by the distinctive arrow-shaped mark on her left cheek, seemed to hint at her sharp hunting prowess. Alongside her siblings, Lightning and Pacman, she mastered survival in Ranthambore's wild heart. She started showing signs of independence at a very young age and got into frequent fights with her mother, Krishna, who could sense Arrowhead as a potential threat and challenger. In 2017, Arrowhead pushed her mother, Krishna aka T19, away from the lake area of Ranthambore and became the new Lady of the Lakes, carrying the family legacy forward. She gave birth to her first litter in 2018, but they did not survive. Her second litter of 2 female cubs, later named Riddhi and Siddhi, were born in 2019. Her third litter, born in May/June 2021 did not survive as well.

Arrowhead’s later years involved a fight against a bone tumour, which eventually dulled her incredible hunting skills. Forest officials, out of concern, provided her and her three cubs with live bait. There are conflicting opinions around keeping a tiger and her cubs alive on baits and the way the baits were given; however, it is beyond the scope of this blog post.

Her cubs from the last litter born in May 2023, two females and a male, now sub-adults, were later moved to Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve and Dholpur Tiger Reserve. This was a necessary step for their safety and that of local communities after their involvement in the Killing of an 8-year-old child, a park ranger and caretaker of the Jain temple in Ranthambore fort in the last 2 months.

Her passing, though expected by those who knew of her illness, was a deep loss. Arrowhead was cremated at Rajbagh, as per protocol. Wildlife photographers who had tirelessly documented her life, along with nature guides and countless well-wishers, gathered to pay their last respects.

Arrowhead was more than just a tigress; she was a symbol of Ranthambore's vibrant wildlife and the enduring power of its natural heritage. Her story, a mix of instinct, skill, and survival, will continue to inspire. Though she no longer roams these jungles, the spirit of this magnificent crocodile hunter will forever be a part of Ranthambore's captivating narrative.