Indian wildlife photographer Sachin Rai recalls the fierce and majestic tigress "Arrowhead," renowned for her daring crocodile hunts in the picturesque Ranthambore National Park. Also known as T-84, Arrowhead's life came to an end at the age of 11 after battling an illness, leaving a deep impact on the community of wildlife lovers who frequented the park.
Born to a lineage of fierce hunters, Arrowhead was the daughter of the famed tigress Krishna and granddaughter of Machli, another legendary figure in the park's history. Over the years, she was celebrated for her impressive catch, including a crocodile just days prior to her death. Her signature arrow-shaped cheek stripe inspired her name, given by another wildlife photographer.
Photographer Sachin Rai had been chronicling Arrowhead’s life since she was just a cub. He described her strength in the wild, even as she faced challenges such as losing her territory to her own daughter, Riddhi, and having a difficult reproductive life. Despite these struggles, including a health decline due to a tumour that eventually left her weak, Arrowhead's legacy as a powerful hunter remained.
In her final moments, she was seen returning to her daughter's territory, where Riddhi allowed her mother space to rest. Rai's poignant observations underscore the haunting beauty of Arrowhead's life, as he noted her struggles toward the end, moving with great difficulty. The sorrow expressed by wildlife enthusiasts speaks to the impact Arrowhead made during her time, etched into the memories of those who observed her reign as a youthful and ferocious predator in the wild.
