Bhopal: 'Collarwali’, the majestic tigress who was the pride of Pench reserve in Madhya Pradesh and died of old age, was given a tearful farewell with forest guards and villagers offering flowers and garlands at her cremation.
Collar Wali, also known as the Queen of Pench, died on Saturday. During her nearly 17 years life, she was the centre of attraction of Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district. She had produced 29 cubs from eight litters, helping the tiger population bounce back in the reserve.
Her death has been mourned by all. Videos of forest guards offering floral tributes at her funeral, and villagers offering flowers and garlands and folding their hands in reverence have gone viral, pointing to the love and veneration that she commanded.
Indian Forest Service Officer Parveen Kaswan, who is among those officers who has helped popularize Indian wildlife with photographs and interesting information on social media, said in tweets: “Last rites of tigress Collarwali of Pench. Where else you will find such view other than India !!”, with photos of Collarwali being laid on a bed of dry logs for her funeral and people paying their last respects, just like they would do for humans.
“Collar wali is also one of the most photographed tigresses in the world. Called as Mother of Pench. Just imagine how her bloodline has helped in bouncing back the tiger population in India. From there so many must have enriched other landscapes. Died naturally because of old age,” he wrote.
Another IFS officer Sudha Ramen tweeted: “The Queen of Pench Tiger Reserve, Collar wali Tigress is no more. She was one among the few iconic tigers in our country. In 16 years, she had 8 litters & 29 cubs which helped Pench gain its glory. She was given a good farewell by the team,” she posted, with photos of the forest guards giving a farewell to the tigress.
Collar Wali, or T15, earned the title of “super mom”. She was also known as Mataram. Of her 29 cubs 25 survived.
She had been keeping unwell for the past few weeks and was unable to walk. The reserve’s veterinary doctors were keeping a watch on her.
'Collar Wali' (one with a collar) as she was popularly referred to by visitors to Pench, was herself one of four cubs of another famous tigress ‘Barimada’ – featured in the celebrated BBC documentary ‘Spy in the Jungle’. (UNI)
