1. Temperature: Tigers are big cats, and they overheat easily. Dawn and dusk offer a cooler time of day, making it easier for them to hunt and move around.
2. Prey Activity: Many of their prey animals, such as deer, are also most active at dawn and dusk. This provides tigers with more opportunities for successful hunts.
3. Reduced Visibility: Tigers are excellent hunters, relying heavily on stealth. The low light conditions of dawn and dusk make it easier for them to approach their prey undetected. This gives them a significant advantage over their prey, which may have difficulty seeing them coming.
4. Reduced Human Activity: Human activity is generally lower during dawn and dusk, making it a safer time for tigers to roam and hunt.
5. Reduced Competition: Other predators, like leopards and hyenas, may be more active during the day. This allows tigers to avoid direct competition for food.
While tigers are most active during dawn and dusk, they can be active at other times of day depending on factors such as prey availability, temperature, and individual habits.