In Ranthambore National Park, nature continues to surprise as the tigress Noor, also known as T-39, estimated to be 17 or 18 years old, has been observed mating. This is remarkable because tigresses typically stop breeding by the age of 12 or 13. The event occurred in Zone 6 of the park, with veteran trackers noting the unusual behavior.
Noor's actions defy typical breeding age limits for wild tigers and highlight her exceptional health and genetics. While experts express doubts about a successful pregnancy, her behavior challenges established norms. This isn't the first time Noor has defied expectations; she previously produced a litter in 2022, her ninth, at an age considered past prime for tigresses. In May 2023, reports indicated her litter was weak, and she appeared emaciated. However, recent observations show her with a glowing coat and intact canines, mating with T-101 and reportedly another male.
Balendu Singh, a former honorary wildlife warden, stated that mating at this age is rarely observed in the wild and that Noor is currently the oldest living tigress without any intervention. Her longevity and continued reproductive activity suggest strong genetics. Noor is the daughter of the tigress Binda, who lived to be 18.5 years old.
The mating of Noor raises questions about the genetic health of the tiger population in Ranthambore. Some studies indicate that the tiger population is descended from a single tigress named Machali and is becoming increasingly inbred, which can lead to reduced survival rates, physical deformities, and infertility. However, other studies suggest that natural selection is countering inbreeding depression by removing harmful genetic variations.
Tigers typically inhabit forests throughout their range, from Russia and Northeast China to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are apex predators that prey mainly on ungulates. Tigers are generally solitary animals, with males' ranges overlapping those of multiple females for mating purposes. Females usually give birth to two or three cubs, which stay with their mother for about two years.
