India mourns the loss of Arrowhead, the legendary "crocodile-hunting" tigress of Ranthambore, who passed away at the age of 11 due to illness. Despite her struggles, Arrowhead's ferocity and majestic lineage solidified her status among wildlife enthusiasts.
Farewell to Arrowhead: The Crocodile-Hunting Tigress of Ranthambore
Farewell to Arrowhead: The Crocodile-Hunting Tigress of Ranthambore
The death of iconic tigress Arrowhead, revered for her fierce hunting prowess and lineage, leaves a poignant void in India's wildlife narrative.
Indian wildlife photographer Sachin Rai recalls the unforgettable moments spent with the iconic tigress Arrowhead, known for her prowess in hunting crocodiles, a feat that showcased her ferocity and resilience. Last week, at the age of 11, Arrowhead, or T-84 as she was affectionately called, passed away near a picturesque lake in Ranthambore National Park—a territory she had commanded with grace throughout her life.
Her death, attributed to an illness, sparked sorrow among countless wildlife lovers, photographers, and tour guides who had come from far and wide to witness her majesty. Arrowhead's legendary reputation had much to do with her lineage; she was the daughter of Krishna and the granddaughter of Machli, revered predecessors known for their fierce hunting abilities, particularly against crocodiles, a trait that Arrowhead inherited and showcased spectacularly.
Photographer Sachin Rai, who documented Arrowhead since her cub days, noted that her battle with health issues only intensified her determination to hunt. As she grew weaker, her crocodile takedowns became legendary, earning her the nickname “crocodile-hunter.” Interestingly, just days before her passing, Arrowhead claimed yet another crocodile, demonstrating that her spirit remained fierce until the very end.
Despite her strength, Arrowhead's life was fraught with challenges. She faced exclusion from her territory, displaced by her eldest daughter Riddhi, and endured repeated matings to carve out a new home. Her life as a mother was equally challenging; though she birthed multiple litters, not all of her offspring thrived. As her health deteriorated due to a tumor, park officials provided her with food when hunting became impossible, a measure that was later rescinded after some of her cubs turned aggressive.
Rai, who witnessed Arrowhead’s final days, described the heartbreaking scene of a once-mighty creature becoming frail. "I saw her struggling to walk," he recounted, with every step becoming an act of endurance. In her last moments, Arrowhead returned to her daughter Riddhi’s territory—previously her own—where Riddhi allowed her mother the space to rest, a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics of tiger families.
As wildlife enthusiasts mourn the passing of Arrowhead, her legacy of resilience and power is a testament to the wild spirit that continues in the heart of Ranthambore National Park.
