VNThe Bengal Tiger primarily inhabits the continental region of India and is ranked as the second-largest tiger species in the world. Bengal Tigers are capable of hunting much larger prey such as Asian elephants or rhino calves.
Information about Bengal Tigers
To gain a better understanding of this majestic and impressive creature, let’s explore some information about them!
Origin of Bengal Tigers
The Bengal Tiger, also known as the Royal Bengal Tiger, belongs to the scientific name Panthera tigris. In Asia, they are the most populous tiger subspecies. The highest concentration of Bengal Tigers can be found in dense forests and marshy areas in countries like India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. However, their habitat has significantly reduced according to statistics.
Appearance and Coat of Bengal Tigers
Bengal Tigers have a distinctive coat that is a combination of yellow and orange with black and brown stripes, typical of tiger species. Some rare individuals have white coats, which are highly prized. They are considered the national symbols of both India and Bangladesh.
In addition to their unique fur color, they have white bellies and inner sides of their legs. Their tails have an orange color with black rings. While white tigers exist due to genetic mutations, there have been no confirmed cases of black-coated tigers except for a specimen found in Chittagong that died in 1846.
Bengal Tigers Weight And Size
The Royal Bengal Tiger is the largest species within the Felidae family. Among all tiger species, Bengal Tigers are the largest members of the Felidae family. An adult male tiger can reach a length of about 1.8m to 2.7m (without counting the tail) and up to 2.7m to 3.65m when including the tail. Their weight ranges from 180kg to 300kg, and they stand about 1m tall from shoulder to ground. The length of their heads alone can reach a maximum of about 25cm to 38cm.
An adult male tiger has an average weight of about 230 kg and a length of up to 3.2m. However, some individuals may weigh over 300 kg and have a length of up to 4m (13 ft) when counting the tail. Tigers living in the Terai region of Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand in northern India tend to have a body weight of more than 227 kg.
An adult female Bengal Tiger in the wild weighs around 140kg to 160kg. They are a tiger species with extremely long canine teeth, measuring about 7.5cm to 10cm in length. The maximum skull size of Bengal Tigers ranges from 332mm to 376mm.
You may also be interested in: Dyson air purifier Review and 5 Best Dyson air purifiers
Bengal Tigers and Their Life Cycle
Each animal species has its own unique life cycle. Let’s explore the behavior and life cycle of Bengal Tigers!
Behavior of Bengal Tigers
Bengal Tigers are usually solitary creatures. However, occasionally, they can be spotted in groups of 3 to 4 individuals. Adult tigers tolerate living in groups only when there is an abundance of prey. Otherwise, they prefer to live independently and hunt on their own, establishing and maintaining their own territory.
Each male tiger holds a large territory, including the territories of certain females within its boundaries, to facilitate mating. The territory of Bengal Tigers is usually not fixed.
Life Cycle of Bengal Tigers
The majority of Bengal tiger cubs are born between February and May. The gestation period for female tigers is around 3.5 months. Each litter has a gap of about 2 to 3 years. Their lifespan can reach a maximum of 26 years.
Male tigers reach maturity at 4-5 years old, while females reach maturity at 3-4 years old. Female Bengal Tigers have a estrus period that lasts for about 3 to 9 weeks, and mating occurs within 3 to 6 days.
Bengal Tiger Habitat
Bengal Tigers can survive in extremely cold as well as very hot climates. They are sometimes found in high mountainous regions. Their habitats include dense forests, grasslands, and marshy areas. They prefer areas with abundant water sources, vegetation cover, and prey. They enjoy bathing in water, especially during hot days, and are excellent swimmers.
Some individuals avoid grasslands, preferring forests and areas with tall grass to facilitate hunting. Unfortunately, a significant number of Bengal Tigers now live in the national parks of India and Bangladesh, constituting about 1/3 of their population.
Diet and Hunting Behavior of Bengal Tigers
What do Bengal Tigers eat? What is their hunting behavior like? These are the most commonly asked questions about Bengal Tigers. The following article will provide you with answers.
Diet of Bengal Tigers
In the wild, Bengal Tigers are pure carnivores and mainly hunt various species of animals, from small to large, such as deer, wild boars, Indian swamp deer, antelopes, lambs, and water buffalo. They also hunt smaller prey like porcupines, monkeys, wild rabbits, and birds, and if living close to human settlements, they may consider humans as potential prey.
Bengal Tigers are capable of hunting other meat-eating animals like leopards, dholes, wild dogs, species of foxes, sloth bears, and Mugger crocodiles. They can consume up to 30 kg of meat in a single day and then fast for a few days afterward.
Hunting Behavior
Bengal Tigers are primarily nocturnal hunters, but they are also active during the daytime. During the day, they use tall grass or bushes to camouflage themselves. Their hunting strategy involves approaching their prey from behind or from the side slowly. They then ambush their prey by biting the spinal cord of smaller animals or attacking the neck to suffocate larger prey.
After killing their prey, Bengal Tigers often drag it to a safe location for feeding. Despite their large size, they are skilled climbers and can escape to trees if injured, weak, or when prey becomes scarce. When injured, old, or when prey is scarce, they may resort to eating anything available, including frogs, toads, ducks, chickens, and even humans.
Bengal Tigers Facing the Threat of Extinction
Bengal Tigers are facing the risk of extinction. The factors contributing to the severe decline in their population are complex. Some of the major reasons include:
Habitat Degradation
One of the biggest threats to the survival of Bengal Tigers is the degradation of their natural habitat. Both the degradation and fragmentation of their habitat are consequences of human activities. Deforestation for agricultural purposes has destroyed their natural forests.
The horrifying reality is that the continuous expansion of human settlements and illegal logging have significantly devastated the natural habitat of Bengal Tigers. In just one decade, their habitat has decreased by about 41%. Unfortunately, it is projected that within the next two to three decades, the decline in their natural habitat will be even more severe.
Illegal Poaching
Illegal trade of Bengal Tigers brings enormous profits in the black market. This has led to rampant poaching of tigers. They are captured and sold alive or killed for their body parts. Illegal poaching and trafficking have not been strictly controlled, contributing greatly to the threat faced by Bengal Tigers. Their previous natural habitats have suffered significant destruction due to this illicit poaching activity. It is disheartening that these criminals have not been adequately punished under the law.”
