What do tigers eat?
Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) lying on the ground next to its prey, a spotted deer (Axis axis). Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India.
Tigers are at the top of the food chain. They mainly eat large mammals, such as pigs, deer, antelope, buffalo, and gaur. Their preferred and essential food is ungulates – hoofed animals such as deer and wild pigs.
Smaller mammals and birds are occasional prey. Tigers have also been known to eat crocodiles, fish, birds, reptiles, and even other predators like leopards and bears.
After eating its fill, the tiger may cover the remains with grass or debris and then return for additional meals over the next several days.
A tiger can consume up to 40 kg of meat at one time, but individuals in zoos are given 5-6 kg per day.
They stalk thier prey and, once they have reached close proximity, attack from the side or rear, killing by a bite to the neck or the back of the head.
Smaller mammals and birds are occasional prey. Tigers have also been known to eat crocodiles, fish, birds, reptiles, and even other predators like leopards and bears.
After eating its fill, the tiger may cover the remains with grass or debris and then return for additional meals over the next several days.
A tiger can consume up to 40 kg of meat at one time, but individuals in zoos are given 5-6 kg per day.
Solitary hunters
Tigers hunt primarily by sight and sound rather than smell, and typically hunt alone.They stalk thier prey and, once they have reached close proximity, attack from the side or rear, killing by a bite to the neck or the back of the head.
