Naturalist Diaries Panna – Season End 2025–26

As another unforgettable safari season comes to a close, the forests of Panna Tiger Reserve leave behind stories that remind us why every season in the wild is unique. From miraculous survival stories and fierce territorial battles to the promise of a new generation of cubs, the 2025–26 season was packed with unforgettable wildlife moments.

Panna Tiger Reserve – A Forest Thriving Once Again

Few conservation stories in India are as inspiring as that of Panna Tiger Reserve. Following the tragic local extinction of its tiger population in 2008, the reserve has steadily transformed into one of the country's greatest conservation success stories. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and years of careful management, Panna today supports a healthy and growing tiger population. The 2025–26 safari season stood as yet another testament to this remarkable recovery.

The Legend of P243

If there was one tiger that defined resilience this season, it was the legendary male P243.

A gigantic male who dominated the forests near Hinouta Gate for years, P243 survived one of the most devastating head injuries ever seen in a territorial fight. At the time, very few believed he would recover. Although the Forest Department's veterinary team treated him, surviving such extensive injuries was nothing short of extraordinary.

For years, P243 remained a favourite among safari enthusiasts, his massive frame and commanding presence making every sighting memorable. Age, however, eventually caught up with the veteran. A younger challenger, the powerful P663, succeeded in displacing him from his long-held territory. Today, forest guards report that the old king still survives in a non-tourism zone—a fitting retirement for one of Panna's greatest fighters.

The Rise of P663

With the throne now his, P663 has quickly emerged as one of Panna's newest stars.

Like many males in the reserve, he is exceptionally large and powerful. Although P243 was already past his prime, defeating such an experienced tiger was no small achievement. Having secured one of the reserve's prime territories, P663 has already been seen mating with females P141 and P142. If all goes well, visitors next season may be welcomed by a new generation of cubs around the Hinouta tourism zone.

Cubs at Panna's Most Scenic Address

Another exciting development unfolded in the territory of tigress P652, who is currently raising three tiny cubs, each barely the size of a jackal.

She has chosen perhaps the most breathtaking nursery in the entire reserve—Vulture Point.

This dramatic U-shaped valley, lined with towering vertical cliffs and home to hundreds of vultures, has long become the visual identity of Panna. For anyone familiar with the reserve, this spectacular landscape is often the first image that comes to mind. Towards the end of the safari season, a handful of fortunate visitors were rewarded with sightings of P652 and her cubs exploring this magnificent valley.

The Next Generation Waits

Females P141 and P142, both of whom mated with P663 this season, already have three nearly grown cubs each. Their youngsters are now approaching independence and will soon disperse in search of territories of their own.

Adding to the excitement, P31—a daughter from P141's previous litter—was observed mating with male P661. Should everything progress well, she is expected to give birth during the monsoon and could easily become one of the highlight tigresses of the upcoming safari season.

Trouble in Paradise

While one male rose to prominence, another ensured that the season was far from peaceful.

The massive P661 emerged as one of Panna's biggest troublemakers. He engaged in a fierce confrontation with the generally shy male P621, better known as Goluram. More significantly, on 30 June, the very last day of the safari season, P661 killed one of the female cubs of the well-known tigress P151.

The loss leaves P151 with only a single surviving cub. Whether she can successfully protect it from the increasingly dominant P661 remains one of the biggest questions heading into the next season.

A Welcome Return to the Ken River

One of the most exciting additions this season was the return of Panna's boat safari, which resumed after a lengthy break.

Before operations were suspended midway through the season for operational reasons, several visitors enjoyed unique sightings of tigress Sita and her two cubs walking gracefully along the banks of the Ken River. Viewing tigers from the water offers an entirely different perspective and adds another dimension to the Panna experience.

Hopefully, this unique safari will resume next season and continue to enrich wildlife experiences in the reserve.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve – Drama in the Grasslands

Often overshadowed by Central India's more famous tiger reserves, Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve quietly delivered another outstanding season.

The reserve first gained national attention through one remarkable tigress—T28, affectionately known as "Mausi Maa." After her sister died in an accident, T28 did something almost unheard of in the wild: she adopted and raised her sister's cubs alongside her own. For a brief period, lucky visitors witnessed an extraordinary family of eight tigers together—a sight that remains one of the reserve's greatest wildlife stories.

The name "Mausi Maa," meaning Aunt Mother, could not have been more appropriate.

Today, T28 is raising a single sub-adult cub that is expected to separate from her soon. During this season, she was also observed mating with the reserve's dominant male, T56.

The Rise of the New King

T56 firmly established himself as the dominant male of Sanjay Dubri this year.

In January, he fought a brutal territorial battle with T67, popularly known as Gaurav or Trishul. The encounter was exceptionally violent, leaving T67 with severe injuries. Videos of the clash quickly spread across social media, offering a rare glimpse into the intensity of tiger territorial disputes.

Following his victory, T56 took control of the prized Mandola Lake territory.

This area is among the most valuable landscapes in Sanjay Dubri. Permanent water availability, extensive grasslands and abundant herbivore populations make it highly attractive to several resident tigresses. Unsurprisingly, every dominant male aspires to control this productive habitat.

Having secured the territory, T56 was later seen mating with both T28 and T17, raising hopes that both females may introduce new litters during the next safari season.

A Love Triangle in the Wild

One particularly dramatic episode unfolded around tigress T17.

She was initially observed mating with another male, T57, and the pair spent an entire day together. However, the following day, T56 arrived, challenged T57 and successfully drove him away after a fierce confrontation.

Once the rival had retreated, T17 remained with T56 for the next three to four days, strengthening his claim over both the territory and the tigress.

Nature, once again, demonstrated that survival and reproduction are earned through strength and persistence.

The Story Isn't Over for T67

Despite suffering serious injuries during his defeat, T67 refused to give up.

After receiving treatment from the Forest Department, he disappeared for nearly two weeks. During this period, he frequently crossed the Banas River into the buffer zone, where livestock offered comparatively easy hunting opportunities that helped him regain strength.

Eventually, T67 returned briefly to the Mandola area before his injuries worsened again during the May rains. Forest officials intervened once more, providing additional treatment.

According to the reserve's rangers, T67 is currently recovering well. With time and continued healing, there is every hope that this resilient male will return stronger in the coming safari season.

Looking Ahead

Every safari season writes its own story, and this year was no exception.

Panna celebrated another chapter in one of India's greatest conservation successes. Dominant males rose to power, ageing legends gracefully stepped aside, cubs took their first uncertain steps into the world, and old rivals fought fiercely for another chance at survival.

As the monsoon breathes new life into these forests, many of this season's unanswered questions remain hidden beneath the lush green canopy. Will P663's new dynasty flourish? Can P151 protect her last surviving cub?

Only the next safari season will tell.