* Infanticide: The most common reason is to protect her cubs from infanticide, which is the killing of young offspring by an adult male. Male tigers are known to kill cubs that aren't their own to ensure that they can mate with the mother and pass on their own genes.
* Competition for resources: While the father might not actively harm his cubs, he might compete with them for food and territory, potentially putting their survival at risk.
* Social dynamics: Tigers are solitary animals, and male tigers typically only interact with females during mating season. The mother tiger is responsible for raising her cubs, and keeping the father away helps maintain the social structure and reduces potential conflicts.
Important Note: While it's true that male tigers can kill cubs, not all males engage in this behavior. Some fathers may help their cubs by providing food or protecting them from other predators. However, the risk of infanticide is high enough that mothers generally keep their cubs away from the father.