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Aging Tigress T-39 Ventures Near Highway, Sparks Concern
23 Apr
Summary
- T-39, an 18-year-old tigress, is moving to outer areas of Ranthambore.
- She has been sighted near National Highway-552, causing resident concern.
- Forest teams are intensifying monitoring due to her weakened physical state.
Tigress T-39, also known as Noor, a senior resident of Ranthambore National Park, has been observed moving towards the reserve's outer limits. The approximately 18-year-old tigress, one of the oldest in the park, was recently sighted near National Highway-552, prompting increased vigilance from forest department teams.
Her altered movement patterns, including sightings in fringe areas like the Range of Project Tiger and Phalodi range, suggest a reduced territorial hold. Officials note T-39 appears physically weakened and is limping, potentially indicating challenges in securing prey and water within her usual territory.
This shift in behaviour has led to heightened monitoring by multiple forest teams. Residents in nearby villages have been advised to remain alert and limit night-time travel. Earlier, the tigress had killed livestock near the same highway, staying in the vicinity for days.
Other long-living tigresses, such as T-8 Ladli and T-13, have also approached or exceeded 20 years of age in Ranthambore, highlighting the park's capacity to support long-lived big cats.
