Factfile
English Name : Tiger
Latin Name : Panthera tigris (Linnaeus)
Local Names : Hindi (Bagh, Sher), Marathi (Wagh), Tamil
and Telugu (Puli), Malayalam (Kaduwa) and Kannada (Hoolee).
Bengal Tiger, a magnificent animal with a short coat is found mainly in
Southern Asia. A large population of Bengal Tiger in found in countries like
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan. A bright coloured, well
striped animal, Bengal Tiger lives in a variety of habitats, including rain
forests and dense grasslands. Mostly the mighty beast remain alone, but you
may also spot them in groups of 3 or 4. Life expectancy of Bengal Tiger is
approximately 20 years.
Physically, the animal extends to a length of 10 feet and weighs between
400 and 575 pounds. The length of the tail is about 3 feet. The fur is
usually orange-brown in colour with black stripes. But, the fur on the belly
region of the animal is white with black stripes. The teeth are very long
and sharp and the jaws extremely powerful.
A carnivorous animal, Bengal tiger lives on animals like deer, pigs,
antelopes, cattle and buffalo. Generally, Bengal tigers kill their prey with
a bite on the neck. The tiger cubs grow fully by the time they are 16 months
old and can feed themselves without any assistance. .
It is very sad to note that this wonderful animal has been hunted to such
an extent that its population has dwindled significantly and is now found
mostly in protected wildlife sanctuaries.
India boasts of a sizeable population of Bengal tigers. The main wildlife
sanctuaries of the country where the animal is found are mentioned below.
Sunderban
Tiger Reserve : Situated 113 kms from Kolkata, Sunderban Tiger
Reserve is known all over the world as biggest forests and delta. Spreading
over an area of 1310.10 sq.kms, Sunderban Tiger Reserve consists of densely
forested islands and saline water channels. Renowned for Bengal Tiger,
Sunderban Tiger Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Besides Tigers, here at Sunderban Tiger Reserve you can spot several other
wild animals. Boating is the most exciting way to spot the wild animals in
Sunderban Tiger Reserve. Always keep in mind that boating is permitted only
inside the tiger reserve. If you want to enjoy boat ride across estuarine
delta area you have to take permit from the office of the Field Director,
Sunderbans.
Corbett
National Park : Situated in the forested foothills of the
Uttaranchal Himalayas, Corbett National Park is famous for its Tigers and
herds of wild elephants. Sprawling over an area of 52o sq. kms, the park
consists of flat valleys, hilly ridges and rolling grasslands. Flora of
Corbett National Park mainly consists of Sal, Bamboo and 110 other varieties
of trees. The magnificent Ramganga river flows through the park, where you
can spot a variety of animal species either drinking water or bathing.
Corbett national park was established way back in 1936. At that time, it
was known as Hailey National Park. India's first national park to come under
the ambitious Project Tiger, Corbett is a haven for the tiger and its prey
which includes deer, wild boar and some lesser-known animals. Jeep Safari is
the best option of exploring the Corbett National Park. Elephant rides are
also very popular inside the park.
Kanha
National Park : Located in Mandia district in the central Indian
state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is another safe and popular habitat of the
Bengal tiger. In fact, the presence of large number of tigers in Kanha and
nearby Bandhavgarh National Park earns Madhya Pradesh the title of Tiger
state. Kanha covers an area of 2000 sq. kms and the beautiful Surpan river
quenches the thirst of Kanha's animals. The flora of Kanha mainly consists
of Sal trees and many varieties of bamboo. For observing the animals at
Kanha National Park, the Elephant Safari is the best option.
The animals at Kanha are best observed from the elephant back.
Bandhavgarh
National Park : Located close to Kanha, Bandhavgarh National Park
is the place where white tigers of Rewa were first discovered. Although
there are no more white tigers in the park, but the yellow striped Bengal
tiger are found in abundance. Spread over an area of 437 sq kms, Bandhavgarh
houses a variety of floral species. Declared a national park in the year
1968, Bandhavgarh provides you maximum chances of spotting the Bengal
tigers. Elephant Safaris or Jeep Safaris are the best way to spot tigers in
Bandhavgarh National Park.
