Naturalists and conservationists play a crucial role in protecting the world’s most elusive and endangered species, and tigers are no exception. These majestic big cats, known for their strength, beauty, and elusive nature, present a unique challenge for those working to study and protect them. In the wild, tracking tigers requires a deep understanding of their behaviors and environment, as these animals are often difficult to spot.
Conservationists must use a variety of techniques to monitor their movements, understand their needs, and ensure their survival. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we have the rare opportunity to observe tigers up close, which gives us valuable insight into their behavior. From scratching trees to vocalizing, tigers exhibit a range of actions that, when understood, reveal much about their natural instincts and survival strategies. By examining these behaviors, we can not only learn about tigers but also strengthen our efforts to protect them in the wild.
Signs of Tigers on the Ground
Pugmarks
Also known as paw prints, pugmarks are often left behind by tigers on soft terrain, revealing the shape of their feet. By examining these prints, we can learn a lot about the tiger’s movement, like their gait and speed. Did you know that, with practice, you can determine a tiger’s age and gender from its pugmarks?
Male tigers typically have larger pugmarks than females due to sexual dimorphism – a scientific term that simply means males and females of a species differ in size. In tigers, this size difference is noticeable in their footprints.
You can also tell a tiger’s age by how spread out their paw pads are. Older tigers have more splayed paws because they’ve spent more time walking. Each tiger’s paw print is as unique as a human fingerprint, so if a tiger leaves a pugmark on soft ground, experts can often identify them.
Tree Scratches
At TCWR, we see tigers regularly scratching trees – so much so that we’ve wrapped our habitat trees in chicken wire to protect them. But we provide downed logs for the tigers, which gives them the same sensation. Tree scratching is a natural behavior for tigers, helping them sharpen their claws and mark their territory. The scent from their scratching is undetectable to us, but to other tigers, it’s a strong signal.
Signs of Tigers in the Air
Tiger Calls
Tigers are not as silent as you might think. They communicate through various vocalizations, which play an important role in their lives in the wild.
- Chuffing: This is a gentle greeting sound that we often hear at TCWR. It’s a gentle greeting commonly made between a male and female tiger, a mother and her cubs, or even cubs interacting with each other.
- Growling: A growl signals aggression or a feeling of threat. We typically hear this around feeding time, or when a tiger is being protective of something in its enclosure. In the wild, it’s a warning to others.
- Roaring: A tiger’s roar can be heard miles away. A loud, rattling roar is usually a sign of dominance, warning other tigers in the area. A less ferocious sound could be a call to attract potential mates.
Prey Calls
In the wild, animals like deer, monkeys, and birds can help detect a tiger’s presence. These animals have developed alarm calls that signal danger.
Deer are often the first to sound the alarm, using a sharp bark to warn their herd when they detect a tiger. This early warning can sometimes cause the tiger to abandon its hunt, as deer are fast and skilled at evading predators.
Monkeys, with their aerial advantage, sometimes call out even when there is no immediate danger. This may seem like an overreaction, but it’s a way to confuse predators and protect their territory.
Certain birds, like hornbills, also change their call when they sense a threat. Expert trackers can distinguish these warning calls and use them to locate a tiger.
The work of naturalists and conservationists is vital in understanding and protecting tigers, both in the wild and in sanctuaries. By closely observing their behaviors, these experts gain valuable knowledge that aids in conservation efforts. Each behavior tigers display holds significant meaning and offers insight into their needs, territory, and social structures. By learning more about these incredible creatures, we can better protect them and ensure that future generations of tigers continue to thrive in the wild. Through ongoing research, awareness, and protection, we can help preserve the legacy of one of nature’s most iconic and endangered species.
Sources
- https://www.tigersafariindia.com/blog/how-to-track-tigers-through-pug-marks-alarm-calls/
- Corbett, Jim. Man-Eaters of Kumaon. Oxford University Press, 2015.
*Published by Laynie Rodzon on 04/19/2025*