MACHALI, CHAMPION OF TIGER TOURISM

Compared to a pelt and some bones, what is the value of a live tiger? From Champawat, let’s look at another legend: Machali, Queen Tigress of Ranthambore.

Inhabiting the Ranthambore National Park in India, Machali was the most photographed tiger on Earth, helping the Indian government earn almost USD 100 million from 1998 to 2009, according to a statement released by the park.

That’s PHP 5.3 billion in revenues. For one live tiger.

Before she died of natural causes at the ripe old age of 20, she had her own commemorative Indian stamp, numerous documentaries, a lifetime achievement award, and a Facebook page followed by over 100,000 fans. More importantly, Machali gave birth to 11 cubs over the years. Today, half the tigers in the park come from her lineage.

The roaring, colorful story of tiger conservation goes on -- and though we have made good progress, we must sustain momentum and ensure that we really hit 6,000 wild tigers by 2022. And I hope more of them turn out to be Machalis rather than Champawats.

Machali, Queen Tigress of Ranthambore, was the most beloved and photographed wild tiger in the world. Before she died at age 20, she had brought in the equivalent of PHP 5 billion in tourism revenues, proving that tigers are worth far more alive than dead. Her grown cubs continue to charm park goers. (Ranthambore National Park)