Tigress “Collarwali”, whose contribution in helping the tiger population grow in India will always be remembered by environmentalists and wildlife lovers, passed away.

Residing in Madhya Pradesh’s Pench Tiger Reserve, this 17-year-old tigress died due to old age after having earned fame as “supermom”, for giving birth to 29 cubs in her lifetime. Known as T-15, she had eight litters from 2008 to 2018.

The Press release issued by the Reserve said that the animal died around 6.15 p.m. on Saturday at the Karmajhiri range of the reserve. A team of forest officials and staff had been monitoring her health for the past one week said the statement, adding that she died due to old age.

The carcass was incinerated according to the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority while its viscera was sent to laboratories for examination, the release said.

Several locals who attended her funeral gave a tearful farewell. Some garlanded her while others stood with their hands folded to pay their last respects to the most photographed tigress.

She was given the name “Collarwali” when she was radio-collared in March 2008 and then again in January 2010 when the earlier one stopped working.

Shivraj Chauhan, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, paid tributes to the “Super Tigress Mom” and tweeted in Hindi. “Tribute to the 'Super Tigress Mom' Collarwali of @PenchMP, the pride of Madhya Pradesh and mother to 29 cubs, who played an important role in achieving the Tiger State status for MP. The forests of Madhya Pradesh will always resonate with the roar of the cubs of the 'Queen' of Pench Tiger Reserve.”