Ecology and Research

Hunting Techniques

Tigers approach their prey in a creeping run with intermittent pauses and momentary stalking, followed by a jump from a short distance- thereby grabbing the animal with the forepaws. The hind legs are kept on the ground which enable the cat to change its position as per the escape movements of the prey animal. Medium sized prey are killed by the neck bite; the larger ones by grabbing at the trunk region followed by a severe throat bite. Tigers hunt by stalking their prey, approaching as close as possible, and then charging the animal from behind. Their prey range from 65 to 2,000 pounds (30-900 kg).