Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Maharashtra. It has a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary known for its majestic tigers. These tigers epitomize strength, beauty, and power, holding dominion over the dense jungle that is their home.
Among the many tigers that call Tadoba home, some have gained fame due to their unique stories, their territorial dominance, and the role they play in the ecosystem. Here are some of the most prominent tigers and tigresses of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Roma
Roma is one of the boldest and most famous tigresses in Tadoba. At just four years old, she has already established herself as a key figure in the park. With her graceful stride and fearless demeanor, she is a favorite among tourists and photographers. Roma’s behavior is remarkable; she can walk long distances along the road, unfazed by the noise of large vehicles.
Roma is the daughter of Choti Tara and Rudra, and her sibling, Bijlee, is also well known. Roma’s territory extends across a large portion of the park, including Kunbi Tank, Jamunbodi, Panchdhara, and Tadoba Lake. She has two female cubs, who were fathered by Balram, one of the park’s dominant males.
Bijlee
Bijlee, meaning “thunder,” is another iconic tigress of Tadoba. Like her sister Roma, Bijlee is a dominant force in the park. She has mated with the powerful male Yuvraj, and they have one male cub together. Bijlee has also made headlines due to an extraordinary act of motherhood.
She adopted the cub of her mother, Choti Tara. This cub, named Mama, was lost and later found by Bijlee, who nurtured him alongside her biological cub, Bhanja. Bijlee’s territory spans from Rampur Naala to Jamni Lake, with a rich abundance of water and grasslands attracting herbivores, making it a perfect hunting ground. Her territory also extends into the Kolara buffer area.
Choti Tara
Choti Tara is a legendary tigress in Tadoba, known for her strength and her territorial prowess. Born in 2009 and raised by Yada-Anna and Tara, she has earned her place in the park’s history. Choti Tara’s territory once overlapped with another dominant tigress, Maya, and the two had several territorial disputes.
As she ages, Choti Tara has been displaced by her daughters, Roma and Bijlee, but she continues to roam areas like Pandherpauni and Chikhalwai. Recently, she was seen mating with Mowgli, another prominent male, and her three new cubs, sired by Mowgli, were spotted in the wild.
Sonam
Sonam is a protective mother and a dominant tigress known for her fierce territorial instincts. Her territory includes the crucial Telia Lake, which is an important water source in the park. Born to Wagdoh (Big Daddy) and Madhuri, Sonam was part of the famous Telia Sisters, a group of four female cubs. As the strongest among her sisters, Sonam eventually became the undisputed ruler of Telia.
Now at 14 years old, Sonam still holds sway over her territory, though she faces a challenge from a younger tigress, Collarwali. Recently, Sonam was injured in a confrontation with Collarwali, and it remains to be seen who will emerge as the queen of Telia. Sonam has produced three cubs with Chota Dadhiyal, and her territory stretches from Telia to the Junona buffer area.
Chota Matka
Chota Matka, a massive and formidable tiger, is the ruler of the buffer areas of Alizanza, Nimdhela, and Navegaon. Born in 2016 to the famous Matkasur and Choti Tara, Chota Matka is a force to be reckoned with in the park. His large size and dominant behavior have allowed him to secure his territory and father many cubs.
Known as the “gentle giant,” Chota Matka is the undisputed king of the buffer zones, and his strength is evident in the warrior-like marks on his body. He is considered the largest tiger in Tadoba and has successfully warded off other males from his territory.
Chota Dadhiyal
Chota Dadhiyal, the handsome and striking tiger, is another key figure in Tadoba’s tiger population. Known for his beautiful appearance and his dominant nature, Chota Dadhiyal was born in the Kolsa Zone. His name, derived from his father Dadhiyal, refers to his prominent beard.
A young, dominant male, Chota Dadhiyal has already fathered cubs with Sonam and has been seen mating with other tigresses like Collarwali and a young tigress from the core area. His territory stretches across various parts of the park, including the Kolsa Zone, where he is frequently seen near water bodies like Jamunjhora and Telia Lake.
Choti Madhu
Choti Madhu, a tigress known for her bold attitude, rules the buffer areas of Moharli. Born to Madhuri and fathered by Khali, Choti Madhu is a striking figure in the park. She has a distinctive “M” mark above her right eye, which is characteristic of her lineage.
Despite the challenges posed by other tigers in the area, Choti Madhu has established herself as the dominant tigress in the Moharli buffer zones, including Junona, Dewada, and Agarzari. She has faced personal tragedy, having lost her cubs to another dominant male, Shambhu.
Bhanushkhindhi (Amba Female)
Bhanushkhindhi, a mysterious and somewhat elusive tigress, has become a notable figure in Tadoba. Little is known about her exact lineage, but she is believed to be around 12 or 13 years old. She is often seen in the buffer areas of Navegaon and Kala Amba.
Bhanushkhindhi has a unique reputation for being a strong and independent tigress. She has had several cubs over the years, with one cub fathered by Chota Matka. Now, her three surviving cubs are becoming prominent figures in the buffer areas.
Mowgli
Mowgli, a powerful and resilient tiger, is another dominant male of Tadoba. Born in 2016, Mowgli hails from the Kolsa Zone and was raised by Kuwani and Gangaram. Known for his massive size, Mowgli’s primary prey has been the Indian Gaur, which has contributed to his formidable build.
After facing off with Chota Matka in 2022, Mowgli was severely injured but has since recovered and continued to assert his dominance. He has been seen mating with several tigresses, including Choti Tara, and his movements span across various regions of the park, from the Kolara area to the buffer zone of Nimdhela.