1. Wild Ungulates:
- Chital (Spotted Deer): Chital are the most commonly hunted prey for Bengal tigers. They are small to medium-sized deer found in abundance within tiger habitats.
- Sambar Deer: Sambar deer are large-bodied deer that provide a substantial amount of meat for tigers. However, they are often more challenging to hunt due to their alertness and ability to escape danger quickly.
- Nilgai: Nilgai are large antelope found in open grasslands and scrub forests. They are occasionally hunted by tigers, especially when other primary prey species are scarce.
2. Wild Pigs:
- Wild Boar: Wild boars, also known as feral pigs, are commonly found in tiger habitats and are hunted by tigers. They can be aggressive and pose a certain level of risk to tigers during hunting.
3. Cattle:
- Domestic Livestock: In areas where tiger habitats overlap with human settlements, domestic cattle, including cows and buffalo, can become prey. Tigers may hunt cattle when wild prey populations are low or during periods of extreme hunger.
4. Other Mammals:
- Smaller Ungulates: Barking deer, muntjacs, and four-horned antelope are smaller ungulates that tigers occasionally hunt.
- Primates: Monkeys and langurs may also be preyed upon by tigers, although they are not a primary source of food.
- Sloths: Sloth bears are sometimes hunted by tigers, but such encounters are relatively rare.
5. Birds:
- Peacocks: Peacocks are known to be hunted by Bengal tigers, especially during breeding seasons when the birds are less vigilant and easier to catch.
Bengal tigers are efficient hunters that use stealth, strength, and speed to capture their prey. They typically hunt alone, using various techniques such as stalking, ambushing, and chasing.