1. Mating and Gestation:
During the breeding season, which typically occurs between November and April, male and female tigers engage in courtship behaviors. When a female is receptive, she will allow the male to mate with her. The gestation period for tigers is approximately 103 days (around three months).
2. Den Preparation:
In preparation for giving birth, the female tiger will find a suitable den site, which can be a secluded spot in dense vegetation, a cave, or a rock crevice. She will line the den with soft materials such as grass, leaves, and moss to create a comfortable environment for the upcoming birth.
3. Birth:
After the gestation period, the female tiger gives birth to a litter of cubs. The litter size can vary from one to six cubs, with an average of two or three cubs. Tiger cubs are born blind and completely dependent on their mother for survival. They weigh around 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3 pounds) at birth.
4. Nursing and Care:
The mother tiger nurses her cubs for several months, providing them with essential nutrition and antibodies. She stays close to the den to protect her offspring and ensure their well-being. Tiger cubs are cared for exclusively by their mothers, and the males do not typically participate in raising the young.
5. Development and Independence:
Over the next few weeks, the tiger cubs gradually open their eyes and begin exploring their surroundings. They learn to crawl and walk by closely observing and following their mother. They start consuming solid food, such as meat, around the age of two months.
6. Learning and Hunting:
As tiger cubs grow older, their mother teaches them important survival skills, including how to hunt, stalk prey, and avoid potential threats. They stay with their mother for approximately two years, learning from her and gaining the necessary knowledge to become independent.
After around two years, the tiger cubs disperse and establish their own territories. They reach sexual maturity at around 3-4 years of age and are capable of reproducing.