🤯 Did You Know (click to read)
Tiger cubs begin accompanying their mother on hunts at only a few months old.
Malayan tiger cubs remain dependent on their mother for up to two years before dispersal. During this period, the female must hunt consistently to feed both herself and her growing offspring. A single failed hunting season can result in cub starvation. Cubs gradually learn stalking techniques by observing maternal behavior. Extended dependency ensures skill transmission but prolongs vulnerability. Any disturbance that removes the mother—such as poaching—typically dooms the litter. Reproductive investment spans years rather than months.
💥 Impact (click to read)
Long parental care limits the number of litters a female can raise over her lifetime. Slow reproduction amplifies the impact of adult mortality. Removing one breeding female can eliminate multiple future generations.
Protecting breeding females yields disproportionate conservation benefits. Ensuring secure denning habitat and prey availability directly supports cub survival. Population recovery hinges on sustained maternal success.
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