In the heart of India's Ranthambore National Park, wildlife photographer Sachin Rai fondly recalls Arrowhead, a tigress renowned for her fearless hunts and unique arrow-shaped cheek stripes. Sadly, the iconic T-84 passed away recently at the age of 11, leaving an indelible mark on wildlife enthusiasts who flocked to witness her majestic presence.
Arrowhead’s legacy is partly due to her lineage; she was the daughter of Krishna and the granddaughter of Machli, both legendary tigresses known for their strength and skill. Known affectionately as the "crocodile-hunter," Arrowhead continued to assert dominance in the park even as her health declined, managing to take down a crocodile just days before her passing.
Despite her fierce reputation, Arrowhead had an extraordinarily challenging life. She was eventually pushed out of her territory by her own daughter, Riddhi, and had to navigate a series of matings to secure a home. Over her lifetime, she gave birth to four litters, though tragically, not all her cubs survived.
In her later years, weakened by a tumor, Arrowhead struggled to hunt, relying on park officials for food until her cubs became a danger. Rai, who witnessed her decline, found it heart-wrenching to see such a powerful creature diminish. In her final days, she returned to her former territory, where Riddhi allowed her mother the peace to rest. Arrowhead remains a symbol of strength, resilience, and the ongoing efforts of tiger conservation in India.
