Life And Times Of A Tiger Queen

Ranthambhore is one of few places in the world where tigers can live long and prosper. Here, we celebrate this renowned Indian reserve through the story of one of its stars – a remarkable female called Noor.

As guardian of more than half of the world’s Bengal tigers, India is at the frontline of the battle to save the species. A decade ago, Ranthambhore held a 40-strong population but, since then, efforts to increase habitat, curb poaching and improve eco-tourism has enabled numbers to grow to 70–75. Noor (T39), born in 2008, is one of the park’s most impressive females. During the four years that they followed her, Andy and Dicky came to know the tigress well, bearing witness on many occasions to her prowess as a fighter, a hunter and a mother.

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Dominated by towering bluffs and famously dotted with crumbling temples, Ranthambhore holds India’s largest intact swathe of dry dhok forest, which provides ideal tiger habitat. The park’s tourism sector is divided into 10 zones; Noor’s territory, which she took over from her mother, spans zone 1 and part of 6. She reinforces her extensive borders with regular patrolling and scent-marking.

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Whether in the forest or on boulder strewn slopes, Noor has mastered every hunting technique, from ambush to high-speed pursuit. On this occasion, she gave chase to a sambar deer, bringing her quarry down in 20 seconds. In the searing heat and with a great display of strength, she then dragged the carcass into a cave.

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In summer, Ranthambhore bakes in temperatures of up to 50°C. The caves that pepper the rocky landscape offer tigers shade, shelter and a safe place to conceal their cubs. Noor uses numerous caves – this one, in zone 2, is a particular favourite.