Why Tigers Are Straying Beyond the Reserve Core

The long-term sustenance of tiger populations rests not only on the protection of the core of the tiger reserves, but also on the ease with which tigers can disperse from one habitat to another through viable corridors

- Anish Andheria

Recently, there have been quite a few reports of tigers venturing into human habitations and traveling long distances, even across states. At present, efforts are on to locate a two-and-a-half-year-old animal that traveled 500 km from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal to Solapur-Dharashiv districts. Such reports have sparked a plethora of interpretations, often based on lack of knowledge and misconceptions. Understanding tiger biology and behavior will provide the necessary clarity in this matter.

Tigers are solitary, long-ranging carnivores, with adult males patrolling a much larger area than adult females. In ideal habitats with abundant water and large-bodied prey animals, a male tiger's range can span 150-200 sq. km, though 80% of his time will be spent in a much smaller area (territory) of 45-55 sq. km, largely determined by the presence of breeding females. Tigresses travel much less and have more compact territories, especially when caring for cubs, typically 10-15 sq. km. So, several females can reside within a dominant male's territory. Thus, range is the broader area explored by a tiger to maximize its breeding success, while territory is where the tiger spends most of its foraging, resting and courting time. Male tigers regularly join their mates and cubs to protect them from intruding tigers.