Life of a Tiger

🐯 Life of a Tiger

Gestation: The tigress is pregnant for about 3.5 months (approx. 100–110 days).
Litter Size: Typically 2–4 cubs are born, blind and helpless.
First Few Weeks:
- Cubs remain hidden in a den (cave, thicket, or dense grass).
- The mother is extremely protective and rarely leaves them.
Development:
- Eyes open after about 6–14 days.
- Cubs begin walking around 2–3 weeks.
- Weaned at 5–6 months.
- Start learning hunting skills by watching their mother.

Learning Survival:
- Cubs follow their mother during hunts.
- They practice stalking and pouncing on each other or small prey.
High Risk: Many cubs don’t survive due to starvation, predators (like leopards or other tigers), or human threats.
Independence: Around 18–30 months, cubs begin to separate from the mother and establish their own territory.

Solitary Territory:
- Tigers are territorial and mostly solitary except during mating or raising cubs.
- Males have larger territories that may overlap with those of several females.
Hunting:
- Primarily hunt deer, wild boar, buffalo, and other large prey.
- Rely on stealth and strength—not speed.
- Hunt mostly at night (nocturnal).
Mating:
- No fixed mating season; tigers may mate year-round.
- Males and females stay together only for a few days during mating.
- After mating, the male leaves; only the female raises the cubs.

In the Wild:
- Tigers face challenges as they age—losing territory, weakened hunting ability.
- Older tigers may turn to easier prey (sometimes even livestock).
- Eventually die from injury, starvation, illness, or conflict.
In Captivity:
- Can live up to 20–25 years with medical care and regular food.

🌍 Habitat and Range