Super mom: with 4 newborns, MP tigress sets record of delivering 30 cubs

BHOPAL: Supermom ‘Collarwali’ – the incredibly fertile tigress at Madhya Pradesh’s Pench Tiger Reserve – has delivered four more cubs. This is her 8th litter and she has so far mothered an amazing 30 cubs — a record for any tigress in Madhya Pradesh. Nicknamed by visitors because of her radio collar, the latest litter is again a boost to the tiger introduction programme in the state that has lost 28 tigers in the last few months.

Referred to as ‘Queen of Pench’ and ‘Pench princess’, Collarwali was one of the four cubs of famous tigress ‘Barimada’, who was featured in the famous documentary titled ‘Spy in the Jungle’ by BBC network.

Pench is now home to more than 60 adult tigers. Devoid of its tiger population that fell to poaching and other reasons, Panna is a model in tiger reintroduction, with a population of more than 25 big cats.

“This is the 8th time she has given progeny which is the only known record. She was born in 2004-05 and in span of 15 years is still very healthy given 3-4 cubs. If we count her contribution along with progeny by her cub’s total number it may reach more than 50 tigers.