Birth:
- Bengal tigers give birth to cubs after a gestation period of approximately 103 days (around 3.5 months).
- A litter can range from one to six cubs, but typically consists of two or three.
- Cubs are born blind and completely dependent on their mother. They weigh about 1-1.5 kilograms (2.2-3.3 pounds) at birth.
Cub Rearing:
- The mother tiger takes care of her cubs in a secluded den, which she lines with soft vegetation and grass.
- She nurses the cubs and provides them with constant care and protection.
- The cubs start opening their eyes at about two weeks old and begin crawling shortly afterward.
- As they grow, the cubs learn hunting and survival skills by observing and imitating their mother.
Independence:
- Around the age of 18 months to two years, the cubs become increasingly independent.
- They start venturing further away from the den and learning how to hunt on their own.
- By the time they are about two years old, the cubs are fully weaned and can hunt effectively.
Establishment of Territory:
- Young Bengal tigers eventually disperse from their mother's territory to establish their own ranges.
- Males disperse farther than females, covering distances up to several hundred kilometers in search of suitable territory.
- They mark their territory through urine marking, scent marking, and vocalizations to communicate with other tigers.
Breeding:
- Bengal tigers reach sexual maturity at about three to five years of age.
- Breeding typically occurs during the winter months when females come into estrus.
-Males compete for mates through territorial displays, roaring, and confrontations.
- The mating process itself is relatively brief, lasting only a few minutes.
Death:
- In the wild, Bengal tigers have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years.
- However, their lifespan can be significantly shorter due to various factors such as poaching, habitat loss, conflicts with humans, and competition from other predators.
- In captivity, Bengal tigers can live up to 20-25 years with proper care and nutrition.
It is important to note that the Bengal tiger's life cycle can vary depending on the individual, habitat conditions, and environmental factors such as food availability and human activities.