Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig) :
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve once again became the stage for an unforgettable wildlife spectacle, as two of its renowned tigresses – Choti Madhu and C3 – were spotted with their three cubs each, walking along the roadside between Padmapur Gate and Kondegaon Gate. This rare and heartwarming sight left both tourists and locals in absolute awe.
A Royal Morning: Choti Madhu and Her Three Cubs
In the golden light of the morning, Choti Madhu was seen near the Kala Pani bridge with her three playful cubs. This area has become part of her regular territory, and she is frequently seen here. Choti Madhu enjoys immense popularity on social media and is among the most sighted tigresses in the Tadoba buffer zone.
Her cubs were seen frolicking in the water and walking along the roadside, full of energy and curiosity. Their playful behavior captivated the onlookers. Choti Madhu, ever alert and protective, kept a constant watch around her, exemplifying her maternal instincts and leadership.
C3 Tigress and Her Cubs Make a Majestic Appearance
Later in the day, yet another exciting moment unfolded when C3, another dominant and typically elusive tigress, was seen near a water body close to Sitarampeth village, accompanied by her three cubs. Recently, she has been occasionally spotted by tourists during boating sessions in the area.
Her cubs, slightly older than Choti Madhu’s, moved closely with their mother, learning the ways of the wild under her guidance. Frequent tiger activity in this region indicates that it has become an important wildlife movement corridor.
A Safe Passage Becomes a Wildlife Stage
The stretch between Padmapur and Kondegaon has increasingly become a regular movement path for tigers. On weekends, thousands of tourists from Chandrapur and surrounding areas gather here hoping to witness a glimpse of the majestic cats.
As the monsoon approaches and water sources shift, tigresses are leading their cubs along this road. With dense forests on both sides, ample shade, and a peaceful environment, this area has become an ideal habitat and route for big cats.
Alert Administration and Community Cooperation
Acknowledging the rising wildlife activity, Tadoba authorities have intensified patrolling along this route. Officers, staff, forest laborers, the PRT team, and villagers of Moharli are working actively to ensure the safety of visitors while preserving the peace for the tigers.
This heartening sight reflects not only the growing tiger population of Tadoba but also the success of collaborative conservation efforts between the forest department and local communities.
Message to Tourists
Such rare sightings are thrilling, but it is essential to remember that this is the tigers’ natural habitat. All visitors are requested to:
Drive slowly
Remain silent during sightings
Do not step out of vehicles.
Never approach or block the tigers in any way.
Respect the tigers, and only then can we continue to share this incredible wilderness with them.
– Mohammad Suleman Baig, Moharli
Wildlife Enthusiast / Reporter
