Pench Tiger Reserve, spanning the picturesque landscapes of central India, is home to a diverse mix of tropical forests and majestic wildlife, especially its famous tigers. Known as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Pench continues to enchant visitors with its rich biodiversity and the tales of its iconic residents.
What Type of Forest is Pench?
What Type of Forest is Pench?
The forests of Pench are a mix of:
- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests.
- Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests with prominent teak-bearing areas.
- Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests, featuring a variety of tree species.
Tree Varieties Found in Pench
Some notable trees include:
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Crocodile Bark or Saja (Terminalia crenulata)
- Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
- Bamboo Thickets (Dendrocalamus strictus)
- Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Its flowers are used for food and the preparation of the locally popular Mahua liquor.
Other trees like Palash (Butea monosperma) and Haldu (Adena cardifolia) add to the park's biodiversity, making it a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
The Legendary Collarwali Tigress (Queen of Pench)
One of the most iconic figures of Pench is Collarwali Baghin (T-15), a tigress affectionately called the Queen of the Jungle.
Her Early Life
- Born: 2005
- Parents: Tigress Badi Mada and Tiger Charger.
- Siblings: Two brothers and one sister.
Collarwali earned her name because of the radio collar attached to her neck for monitoring by the forest department. She became an instant favourite among visitors and locals for her nurturing spirit and dedication to her cubs.
A Record-Breaking Mother
- Litters: Collarwali gave birth to 29 cubs over her lifetime in 8 litters, an unparalleled record for a tigress in India.
- Famous Litter: In 2011, she gained widespread fame after giving birth to a litter of five cubs, displaying her unmatched hunting skills and protective nature.
- She ensured her cubs were well-fed and safe, guarding them fiercely from male tigers.
Legacy
Collarwali passed away in 2022, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that contributed significantly to the tiger population of Pench. Today, her cubs and grand cubs roam the forests, continuing her lineage.
New Stars of Pench Tiger Reserve
With Collarwali's passing, Pench now celebrates its emerging stars, each with a unique story:
- Patdev (T-4)
Known as Collarwali’s sister, Patdev has carved her own path, with several litters contributing to the growing tiger population. - Baras Tigress (T-27)
One of the most dominant tigresses in the park’s buffer zone, T-27 is known for her strength and frequent sightings near Baras. - Langdi (T-32)
Recognizable by her slight limp, Langdi is one of Pench’s most photographed tigresses, captivating tourists with her resilience and charm. - Matkasur (T-30)
This dominant male tiger rules the core area of Pench. Known for his majestic gait and territorial presence, Matkasur is frequently spotted during safaris. - Raiyakasa Male (T-101)
An emerging contender, T-101 has been gaining dominance in the buffer zone, offering visitors thrilling encounters.
Why Visit Pench Tiger Reserve?
Pench is more than a tiger reserve—it is a treasure trove of wildlife, scenic beauty, and inspiring stories. The park’s conservation success is a testament to dedicated efforts to protect its iconic tigers and their habitat.
Here is what you can experience:
Pench is more than a tiger reserve—it is a treasure trove of wildlife, scenic beauty, and inspiring stories. The park’s conservation success is a testament to dedicated efforts to protect its iconic tigers and their habitat.
Here is what you can experience:
- Tiger Safaris: Witness tigers like Matkasur and Patdev in their natural habitat.
- Rich Biodiversity: Spot leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and over 300 bird species.
- Cultural Insights: Interact with the Gond tribe, who have lived harmoniously with the forest for generations.
Plan Your Visit
To explore Pench’s fascinating wildlife and its legendary tigers, book your stay at The Riverwood Forest Retreat – Pench. Enjoy luxury accommodations surrounded by nature and embark on unforgettable safaris guided by experienced naturalists.
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Discover Pench Tiger Reserve—the land where legends like Collarwali once roamed, and new stars continue to shine!
She got her name ‘Collarwali’ by the native peoples as she has a radio collar attached to her neck and T-15 is her official name given by the forest department. With four cubs in its 7th litter, she upheld a record of producing highest number of cubs in Madhya Pradesh until now.
Since 2008, she had given birth to 22 cubs in six litters which is the highest record of all tigresses in India and then gained immediate fame when she gave birth to a litter of five cubs in the year 2011 & call for hunting every other day to feed all 5 growing tigers simultaneously. ‘Collarwali Baghin’ guarantees her children best diet, protects them from male tigers as well.
Nowadays T-15 is busy in raising her new litter and contributing to the tiger population. The forest department have a special indicate for her passion and hard work to keep the jungles, home to the Queen of Pench and the other forest inhabitant safe.
If you are a tiger lover or wildlife enthusiast, we recommend visiting to Pench National Park once in a life.
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