One of the most iconic and senior tigresses of Pench Tiger Reserve, PN-20 (T-20) also known as ‘Langdi Baghin’, was sighted once again near Tigress Nala Talab in the tourism zone of the Karmajhiri Range, on Sunday. For wildlife lovers, this sighting is nothing short of a blessing, a glimpse of a true matriarch of Pench. Born in May 2008, PN-20 is now around 17 years and 7-month-old, an extraordinary age for a wild tiger. She holds a special place in the hearts of tiger enthusiasts as the littermate sister of Pench’s world-famous tigress, Collarwali, often called the ‘Queen of Pench’. For most of her life, PN-20 has ruled nearly 70 per cent of the Karmajhiri Range. She is instantly recognisable by her unique gait, caused by the way she places her front paw while walking. This distinctive movement earned her the affectionate nickname ‘Langdi Tigress’ among tourists and forest staff alike.

 

Her legacy is deeply etched into the forests of Pench. PN-20’s breeding history is remarkable as in December 2012: two female cubs, 2016: three cubs (one male, two females), 2019: four male cubs and in 2021: one female cub, now known as PN-165 (Lakshmi), currently roaming the Karmajhiri Range. In total, so far PN-20 gave birth to ten cubs, many of whom have gone on to establish their own territories within Pench Tiger Reserve and surrounding landscapes, significantly contributing to the growth of the tiger population. Age has now taken its toll. The venerable tigress is physically weak and no longer able to hunt on her own. Yet, nature still provides, she survives on leftover kills made by other tigers or leopards, along with smaller prey found from time-to-time. PN-20 is more than just a tiger. She is a symbol of resilience, motherhood and the success of long-term tiger conservation. Her continued presence in the wild stands as a living testament to the effective protection and management efforts of Pench Tiger Reserve, a legend still breathing, still walking and still inspiring awe in the hearts of wildlife lovers around the world.