The Endangered Bengal Tiger |
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Bengal Tiger Lifestyle Habits and HabitatsThe male Bengal Tiger stakes out a territory for himself that can comprise up to 60 square miles which he protects and defends against rival males. He regularly patrols this area and marks the boundaries of his habitat with his scent glands, urine and droppings.This notifies possible trespassers or interlopers of his sex and size. Females also have territories, but they are not as large and sometimes overlap a male's domain. This is for the most part good naturedly tolerated by the male. Bengal Tigers live in dense vegetation such as brush or marshes or jungles bordering on grasslands which is the preferred terrain for much of their prey. Although they are able to climb trees, they rest and sleep on the ground in a concealed location. This cat is not afraid of water. They are strong swimmers and love to bathe or lounge in pools, ponds and rivers, especially during the hot and dry periods of the season. The Bengal Tiger is strictly a meat eater. His excellent hearing and vision along with his striped camouflage coat helps him to find and creep up on prey in the dark. His food consists of deer, wild pigs and other hoofed animals, monkeys, young elephants and buffalo as well as birds, reptiles and fish. Tigers may travel many miles during the night within their territory, tracking and hunting their next meal. The usual method is to stalk and sneak up on prey until close enough to sprint and pounce. They prefer to stage their attack from the rear and kill by biting the neck or throat area of the victim. Once dead, the Bengal Tiger drags his kill to cover and sometimes into or near to water before he begins to eat. A large tiger can consume up to 85 pounds of meat in one meal. When sated, he will cover the leftovers with leaves and return daily to feed on the rotting carcass. |
