Beldanda: More Than a Tiger, A Story of Survival By Brijesh Kumar Mishra, Wildlife Photographer
By Brijesh Kumar Mishra, Wildlife Photographer
Deep within the dense sal forests and open grasslands of Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve an inspiring story of motherhood, survival, and royalty unfolds — that of Beldanda, known as the "Queen of Kishanpur" and the "Supermom of Dudhwa." Her journey exemplifies the spirit of wild India and showcases the resilience of motherhood in even the harshest environments.
The Legacy of Beldanda
Tigresses often blend into the jungle's anonymity, leading unnoticed lives. However, Beldanda broke this mold. Over time, she became a legend, renowned not only for her beauty and presence but especially for her remarkable skill in successfully raising at least 13 cubs in the harsh wilderness of Dudhwa.
This remarkable achievement places her ahead of Machli of Ranthambore, who was once recognized as the most prolific tigress in the wild with 11 cubs. Beldanda's legacy, however, is not merely in numbers — it lies in her resilience and the emotional bond she fosters among forest officials, photographers, and conservationists alike.
Recently, Beldanda’s name was in the spotlight — but for troubling reasons. For several months, she had been missing, which raised concerns and even criticism aimed at the forest department. Activists questioned the effectiveness of monitoring in protected areas. Rumors circulated — had she fallen prey to poachers? Had she succumbed to old age?
But hope flickered once again when she was seen deep inside the sanctuary, alive and strong, asserting her reign once more. The moment was emotional — a reunion that silenced critics and rekindled admiration for the aging matriarch of Kishanpur.
A Mother Like No Other
Beldanda's journey has been filled with heartbreak. She has lost cubs—some in territorial clashes with rival males and others from natural dangers. Yet, she continues on, raising new litters and fiercely defending her territory.
Her famous appearances in 2019 with five cubs and again in 2021 with four cubs made headlines, capturing the imaginations of photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. These moments not only showed her fertility and strength but also her nurturing spirit—ensuring her cubs survived the challenging first years of life. More Than Just a Tiger.
For those who have closely followed her story — including forest guards, guides, researchers, and photographers — Beldanda is more than just a tiger. She symbolizes resilience, showing how nature constantly fights to survive despite great challenges.
Even as she grows older, her ongoing presence in the wild symbolizes hope for the future of tigers in Dudhwa. She has become a guardian of her legacy, possibly watching over her daughters and granddaughters as they now establish their own territories.
Beldanda’s story emphasizes the importance of effective conservation policies, regular monitoring, and active community participation in protecting wildlife.
As a wildlife photographer, spotting Beldanda with her recent cubs was witnessing a chapter from one of the greatest stories ever written in the Indian wild.
By Brijesh Kumar Mishra, Wildlife Photographer
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