By Sara Fathima
July 28, 2022
The tigress’s gestation period lasts between 90 to 112 days. In the last few days of this period, she begins looking for safe birthing places to help conceal the cubs and sustain the new family.
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Newborn tiger cubs can weigh up to 1600 kilograms and open their eyes at 6-12 days. Their vision develops only after a few weeks. On average, the litter contains three cubs.
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Until 15 months of age, tiger cubs spend most of their time playing with their mother and siblings – this helps them develop life skills such as stalking, pouncing, swatting, and climbing.
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At 16 months, a hierarchy of order is in place among the cubs in the litter. The dominant cub, often a male, consumes the resources first. He then leaves the family unit at 17-24 months.
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The young independent male tigers move further from their mother’s home territory. They continue to grow up to 5 years of age. They live in temporary habitats until they’re strong enough to settle in their own territory.
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Unlike other members of the cat family, tigers enjoy swimming. They are powerful, territorial predators that hunt alone after dark. Tigers mark their territory with scratches and urine.
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Tigers thrive in huge habitats and can live up to 26 years in the wild, predominantly feeding on antelope and other animals with hooves. They can consume up to 12 pounds of meat for a meal.
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Only 1 in 10 hunts are successful for tigers. They must compete hard for food and space. Poaching, deforestation, encroachment, commercial development, etc., have made it harder than it already is for tigers in the wild.
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