One of the most well-known and oldest tigresses of Pench Tiger Reserve, PN-20 (T-20), popularly known as the ‘Langdi Baghin’, was found dead on Monday morning near Joda Munara Camp in Bison Beat of Karmajhiri Range. According to the Pench Tiger Reserve authorities, the tigress, born in the year 2008, was approximately 18 years old. She was last sighted by tourists on March 6. Officials said that the tigress had been physically weak for some time due to her advanced age and is believed to have died of natural causes related to old age. She was among the oldest tigresses in Pench Tiger Reserve. PN-20 was the sibling of the world-famous tigress ‘Collarwali Baghin’, which gained international recognition for giving birth to a record number of cubs. PN-20 was known to roam across nearly 70 per cent of the Karmajhiri Range. Due to a congenital deformity in her front paw, the tigress walked with a slight limp, which earned her the nickname ‘Langdi Baghin’ among tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. In total, PN-20 gave birth to 10 cubs during her lifetime.

 

Many of them later established territories within Pench Tiger Reserve and nearby forest areas, contributing significantly to the growth of the tiger population in the landscape. In recent months, the tigress had become extremely weak due to old age and was unable to hunt on her own. However, she managed to survive by feeding occasionally on prey remains left behind by other tigers or leopards. Despite her frail condition, PN-20 demonstrated remarkable resilience and survival instinct, living a long life and playing an important role in strengthening the tiger population of Pench. Forest officials, including the Chief Conservator of Forests, Seoni, along with the management of Pench Tiger Reserve, paid respectful tributes to the iconic tigress. Following the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a post-mortem examination was conducted by senior wildlife veterinarians in the presence of forest officials, NTCA representatives, local public representatives and revenue department officials. After the procedure, the tigress was cremated as per official protocol. PN-20 will be remembered not only as an important symbol of biodiversity in Pench Tiger Reserve but also as an inspiring example of successful tiger conservation efforts in India.