Why Tigers Roam: Dispersal, Threats, and the Struggle for Territory

Source: This post on Why Tigers Roam: Dispersal, Threats, and the Struggle for Territory has been created based on article “Space crunch, threats, a natural tendency: Why tigers go on long walks ” published in Indian Express  on 11^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS Paper 3- Environment

Context: The article explores the natural behavior of tiger dispersal, emphasizing how these solitary and territorial predators venture across vast landscapes in search of exclusive hunting grounds and reproductive opportunities. It highlights their remarkable ability to navigate human-dominated areas and natural barriers like highways and settlements.

Why do tigers go on long walks?

1. Tigers are solitary, territorial animals.
2. They naturally disperse to establish their own space, ensuring exclusive hunting and reproductive rights.

What recent examples highlight tiger dispersal in India?

1. Odisha to West Bengal (2024): A tigress walked 300 km east.
2. Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh: A tiger traveled to areas near the Line of Control (LoC).
3. Maharashtra (2019): A tiger covered 3,000 km over 225 days, exploring a linear distance of 315 km.

What are some notable examples of tiger dispersal?

1. 2003 (Rajasthan): “Broken Tail” traveled 150 km but was killed by a train.
2. 2008 (Karnataka): A tiger covered 197 km to Dandeli sanctuary.
3. 2018 (Madhya Pradesh): A tiger moved over 300 km to Gujarat.
4. 2023 (Maharashtra): A tiger traveled 2,000 km across four states, covering 650 km linearly.
5. 2024 (Rajasthan): A tiger walked 100 km to Haryana’s Jhabua forests.

How do tigers navigate through human-dominated landscapes?

1. Tigers adapt to non-forest landscapes using small green patches.
2. Resting sites are often close to human settlements (as near as 300-500 meters).
3. They navigate around barriers like highways, railways, and mines.

What does research say about male and female tiger dispersal?

1. Male tigers: More likely to disperse (92.3%) and travel farther (4.5-148 km).
2. Female tigers: Disperse less frequently (36.4%) and cover shorter distances (4.6-25.8 km).

Why do tigers disperse?

1. Territorial disputes: Young tigers seek their own territory to avoid conflict with dominant males.
2. Mating opportunities: Male tigers must establish territories to access tigresses.
3. Population management relocations: Relocated tigers often attempt to return to their original homes.
4. Cub protection: Tigresses may disperse to shield their cubs from new males that could harm them.

What challenges do dispersing tigers face?

1. Human conflict: Encounters with humans can lead to conflict and loss of goodwill.
2. Mortality risks: Dispersals can result in deaths due to accidents or inability to find suitable habitats.

What benefits arise from tiger dispersal?

1. Gene flow: Fresh gene input revitalizes isolated populations.
2. Habitat reclamation: Successful dispersals highlight potential new habitats and corridors.

What does India’s latest tiger estimate reveal?

1. India has 3,682 tigers, but one-fifth of the tiger reserves (16 reserves) host just 25 tigers — less than 1% of the total population.
2. This indicates the need for better habitat connectivity and protection.