Hobbies And Interests
Breeding Season
Most tigers are capable of reproducing throughout anytime during the year. However, when tigers are in their natural habits, mating occurs most commonly between November and April when tigers are in their natural habitat. In the wild, this coincides with the end of the monsoon season. Female tigers usually begin to reproduce when they reach sexual maturity at between 3 and 4 years of age. Male tigers reach sexual maturity slightly later, at between 4 and 5 years of age.
Mating Behavior
The female tiger's estrous cycle varies from 3 to 9 weeks in length. She is able to conceive for between 3 and to 6 days per cycle and indicates that she is in this stage of the cycle by rolling, pacing and roaring. If a female tiger consents, the male tiger holds onto the back of her neck with his teeth and the pair mate. Tigers produce a number or of vocalized noises when mating and may they might mate several times in a single day.
Gestation and Birth
Once tigers have conceived, the female tiger gives birth after a gestation period that usually lasts between 96 and 111 days. Females choose a sheltered area such as a cave or an area of dense vegetation in which to give birth in. Tiger litters can contain between 1 and 6 cubs although litters containing 2 or 3 cubs are the most common. Tiger cubs are born with their eyes closed and are covered in thick fur that is striped but is lighter in color than than adult fur. More than one-third of tiger cubs die shortly after they are born. Female tigers usually wait for a period of between 2 and 2.5 years between before giving birth to their next litter.
Care of the Young
Female tigers nurse their young and gradually introduce solid food from in the second month the age of 2 months until they are fully weaned at around 6 months old. Once cubs have been weaned, they begin to accompany their mother on hunts, learning the skills that are necessary for them to survive until they gain independence at between 2 and 3 years of age. Male tigers often gain independence sooner than their female counterparts. However, approximately 50 percent of wild tigers die before they reach the age of 2 years. Female tigers are fiercely protective of their cubs and will kill other tigers or attack larger animals if she feels that they pose a threat to her cubs.