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Tiger Behavior

Tiger Subspecies

Subspecies Differences

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Threats

 Tiger Handbook

Tiger Behavior

Where in the world do tigers live?

All wild tigers live in Asia.

Tigers of the World Map

What kinds of places do tigers like?

Tigers live in thick forests or areas with tall grasses to hide in and plenty of prey to eat. They don't like the open grasslands lions live in. Most kinds of tigers live where it is warm but Siberian tigers live where it gets very cold.

Male tigers live alone and do not share their land or "territory" with other tigers. The size of a tiger's territory depends on how much prey there is to eat. For example, in some parts of India where there is plenty of prey, a male tiger only needs eight to sixty square miles . In Sumatra, where there is less prey, a male tiger may need as much as 150 square miles. And in Siberia, where there is little prey to be found, male tiger territories are as large as 400 square miles.

How do tigers hunt?

Tigers hunt by stalking (sneaking up) on their prey rather than running after it like lions or cheetahs. Tigers hunt alone. Hunting in a pack would be hard in thick forests and grasslands.

Do tigers like water?

You might think tigers hate water because they are cats. Not only do tigers drink water, but they sometimes like to take a cool bath in ponds or rivers. They are also good swimmers.

What do tigers eat?

Which of these things do you think tigers typically eat?
(Click on each picture or keyword to learn more.)

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Deer
Deer

Wild Boar
Wild boar and pigs

People
People

Peacock
Peacocks and other birds

Grass
Grass

Rhinoceros
Rhinoceroses

Fish
Fish