The Tiger as a Father

Until a few years ago, the male tiger was thought to be a totally callous animal as far as its responsibilities as a father are concerned. It was thought that a tigress had to always protect her cubs from the father or any other male because he would kill them to get her back into estrus. It was only after recent observations were made by naturalists and researchers that it was learnt that the male also plays a certain role in the upbringing of the cubs. Although, it is nowhere as immense and important as that of the mother. The male, who is mostly the territorial dominant tiger in the area, has been observed to protect his families from rival males.

"Charger" stands guard as his three cubs and their mother "Sita" drink water from the perennial stream at the "Shesh Saya" in Bandhavgarh National Park

He also at times has been seen providing them with kills to feed on. The male, however, does not stay for long with the family and occasionally spends time with them while patroling and marking his territory. A single male might be a father to more than one litter at a time in his territory, which is often divided into more female tigress sub-territories. His main responsibility is to protect his territory, and hence his families, from the dangers of rival males who are always trying to overthrow the dominant tiger in the main natal area. The rival males do pose a threat to young cubs as they would like the tigress to come into estrus again and bear their cubs.

Although it might at times seem brutal, it is probably nature's way of ensuring the survival of the fittest gene pool.