The Reigning Tigers of Tadoba: Chota Matka, Xylo Tiger & More

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, continues to thrive as a haven for Bengal tigers. While its past was ruled by icons like Waghdoh, Maya, and Matkasur, a new generation of big cats now defines the landscape. Chota Matka, Xylo, Choti Tara, and Junabai are the current rulers and are among the most photographed and tracked tigers today. Each tiger is essential to Tadoba's ecosystem and is a global draw for wildlife lovers.
 

Chota Matka – The Heir of Two Dynasties

Born in 2016 to Matkasur and Choti Tara, Chota Matka carries the weight of legends. His muscular build, fearless stride, and deep lineage make him one of Tadoba’s most admired males. In 2022, he confirmed his dominance by defeating the powerful Bajrang in a territorial clash, taking control of the buffer zone stretching from Alizanza to Nimdela. In May 2025, Chota Matka faced a new challenger—Bramha, a rising young male in the region. The fierce fight between the two sent shockwaves through the buffer zone. Though both sustained injuries, Chota Matka successfully defended his kingdom, reaffirming his strength and command. With his lineage rooted in two of Tadoba’s greatest bloodlines and his present marked by courage and resilience, Chota Matka is not just a successor—he is a reigning force shaping the future of Tadoba’s tiger hierarchy.
 

Junabai Tigress – The Fierce Matriarch of Madnapur

Junabai—whose name blends juna (old) and bai (lady), also referencing a tribal goddess of Tadoba—is a once-shy tigress who rose to prominence in the Madnapur–Kolara buffer zone. Since 2018, she has successfully raised multiple litters, navigating thick bamboo forests and secluded trails to keep her cubs safe from threats like Tala and Matkasur.
Her maternal instincts and strategic movements have earned her a reputation as one of the most resilient tigresses in Tadoba. Regularly seen by safari-goers with her cubs, Junabai’s presence has boosted tourism in the buffer zones. She is a true embodiment of strength and survival, playing a vital role in both conservation and the ongoing legacy of Tadoba’s tiger mothers.
 

Choti Tara: Tadoba's ‘Star’

Daughter of the legendary Tara (born around 2009), Choti Tara inherits her mother’s regal presence and strong genes. She was the first female in Tadoba to wear a radio collar, tracking her movements across Pandharpauni and Moharli zones. Now roughly 14–15 years old, she commands areas formerly held by Maya. Choti Tara has raised multiple litters—around two to seven cubs born as late as March 2024, with male Mowgli. Her daughters, Roma and Bijli, now share parts of her territory, and Bijli has been spotted with her cubs recently. Known for a calm and confident demeanour, she remains unfazed by safari jeeps. Despite her age and even worn/broken canines, she adapts by hunting smaller prey and continues to thrive

Choti Tara remains one of Tadoba’s most charismatic and enduring tigresses—an elder matriarch marked by resilience, strategic behaviour, and maternal care. A true ‘Star’ who now stands as a respected queen of her domain.

Xylo Tiger – The King of Tadoba's Buffer Zone

In the heart of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Xylo reigns supreme in the buffer zone. Born in 2019, Xylo grew up learning the ways of survival under his mother’s protection. As he matured, his impressive size and rare swimming skills set him apart, allowing him to dominate the territories around Madnapur, Kolara, and Palasgaon.
Xylo’s hunting skills are unmatched—he preys on nilgai, wild boar, and chital, and occasionally targets domestic animals, leading to tensions with local farmers. His name, inspired by the rugged Mahindra Xylo vehicle, reflects his strength and resilience. A striking black stripe with ‘XY’ across his face makes him easily recognisable. From a playful cub to a fierce king, Xylo embodies the wild spirit of Tadoba—commanding, resilient, and ever-dominant.
 

Yuvraj Tiger – The Rising Dominance

T-25, fondly known as Yuvraj, was born in 2015 and has long been seen as a future king. Though younger than Rudra and Tala, his physical power and growing territory make him a promising contender. As the balance of power continues to shift, Yuvraj’s rise is a story still unfolding.

Mowgali's(T-22) Legacy: A True-to-Nature Tiger Tale

In the core zone of Tadoba Tiger Reserve, lived a dominant male tiger known as Mowgali. His wide range covered bamboo thickets, dry riverbeds, and scattered villages where the forest met the people.
Mowgali first paired with a tigress named Jharni. In 2020, she gave birth to a litter—two males and two females. For months, the cubs thrived under the watchful eyes of their parents. But nature has its own harsh rules. In early 2021, a younger male tiger, Chota Matka, entered Mowgali’s territory. In what’s known as a territorial takeover, Chota Matka challenged Mowgali and eventually forced him to retreat. As is common in wild tigers, he then killed the male cubs. Protected fiercely by Jharni, the female cubs hid in dense bamboo, feeding off small prey and watching the world with growing awareness. By 2025, the early separated female cub had matured. Unlike males, who often disperse, females typically stay close to their mother’s territory. 

Later, Mowgali mated again—this time with Choti Tara, a bold and old tigress from the core who acquired the mayas' territory. Today, forest guards still track the movements of mature females whom they want to relocate to Nagjhira sanctuary. Nagjhira is now contributing to the tiger population of the buffer zone—proof that even in loss, the forest endures.

Each tiger—whether a newborn cub, a bold subadult, or a seasoned adult—carries a piece of Tadoba’s wild soul. Their battles, alliances, and survival stories shape not just the forest but the hearts of those who witness them. As the sun sets over bamboo thickets and dusty trails, the roars echo a timeless truth: the jungle remembers its royals.

Your Perfect Base to Explore all the Wonders of Todoba

Tadoba is not just a sanctuary but a dynamic wilderness where each tiger adds to a larger story of survival, dominance, and legacy. The combined presence of Chota Matka's dominance, Xylo’s figure, and Junabai's nurturing makes Tadoba an exciting destination for wildlife lovers. Experience this raw beauty by planning a visit to Tadoba National Park and exploring zones like Moharli, Pandharpauni, and Kolara.

To truly connect with the wild spirit of Tadoba, plan your visit and witness these majestic tigers in their natural domain. For an authentic jungle experience, stay at Trees N Tigers, Tadoba, where luxury meets wilderness. The property offers comfortable tented accommodations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, making it ideal for wildlife lovers seeking comfort and adventure under one canopy.

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