Ranthambhore's Machhli roars on 'special cover'

Wednesday was an important day for the state forest department as a special cover on tigress T-16, also known as Machhli, was released.

The postal department will carry the picture of this Ranthambhore National Park’s tigress on its envelope. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot released the special cover. In a few months, a postal stamp will also be released on Machhli. Tourism and wildlife minister Bina Kak shed light on why Machhli was chosen for the special cover.

“In its seventeen years, Machhli has given birth to nine tigers in four litters.
These tigers now roam in Ranthambhore and Sariska. She is also the most photographed tigress in the world. And although she is a predator, she has always been a calm beast. She has never become aggressive towards any official or tourist,” said Kak.

Interestingly, the tigress gets her name from a fish-shaped mark it has over its left eye.

Addressing a gathering of politicians, forest officials and Wildlife Board members, Kak said, “As the tigress is old, she has lost a few teeth. I once saw that after making a kill, she dragged it into a nearby pool and submerged it into the water. Machhli was acting in a smart way as the flesh would soften in water and she would consume it easily.”

Also known as lady of the lakes, Machhli was given a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the Travel Operators For Tigers (TOFT).

The tigress now has her territory in Lakarda area of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.