* Food: Tigers are apex predators and hunt to survive. While they primarily prey on deer, wild pigs, and other large mammals, they may sometimes target humans if other food sources are scarce or if they become habituated to human presence.
* Protection: Tigers are territorial animals, and they will defend their territory from intruders, including humans. If a tiger feels threatened, it may attack.
* Mistaken identity: Tigers sometimes attack humans because they mistake them for their usual prey, especially at night or in dense vegetation.
* Disease: Some tigers may be infected with diseases that make them more aggressive or likely to attack humans.
It's important to remember that tiger attacks on humans are relatively rare. They are more likely to avoid humans, but they will attack if they feel threatened or if they see a chance for an easy meal.
Here are some factors that increase the risk of human-tiger conflict:
* Habitat loss: As forests are cleared for agriculture and development, tigers lose their natural prey and are forced to come into closer contact with humans.
* Poaching: Poaching reduces tiger populations, leading to increased competition for resources, which can make tigers more aggressive.
* Human encroachment: People living near tiger habitats may unintentionally attract tigers, leading to conflict.
It's crucial to take steps to minimize human-tiger conflict, such as:
* Protecting tiger habitats: By conserving forests and ensuring there are enough prey for tigers, we can reduce the need for them to hunt humans.
* Promoting coexistence: By educating local communities about tigers and their behaviour, we can help them understand how to minimize conflict.
* Supporting anti-poaching efforts: Reducing poaching will help to ensure a healthy and stable tiger population.
Ultimately, it's our responsibility to ensure the survival of tigers and to protect them from human threats.