1. Abundance and Accessibility:
- Deer and wild boar are relatively abundant in the tiger's natural habitats. This means they are easier to find and hunt compared to other prey like elephants or rhinos.
- They are also easier to kill than larger prey. Tigers are powerful but not invincible, and smaller prey offers a more manageable challenge.
2. Nutritional Value:
- Both deer and wild boar are nutrient-rich, providing tigers with the energy and sustenance they need to survive. They contain protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Wild boar in particular is often considered to be very nutritious, offering a high fat content which can be helpful for tigers during the colder months.
3. Hunting Strategy:
- Tigers are ambush predators, meaning they rely on stealth and surprise to catch their prey.
- Deer and wild boar are relatively slow and predictable in their movements, making them good targets for this hunting style.
4. Ecological Balance:
- By hunting these animals, tigers help maintain the ecological balance of their ecosystem.
- They prevent the overpopulation of these herbivores, which could lead to overgrazing and damage to the environment.
Important to note:
- Tigers are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat whatever prey is available and accessible.
- While deer and wild boar are common choices, they will also hunt other animals like cattle, buffalo, and even smaller animals like fish and snakes depending on the situation.
In summary, tigers choose deer and wild boar because they are abundant, accessible, nutritious, and fit their hunting strategy, while also playing a role in maintaining ecological balance.