Tigers are apex predators considered the biggest and most dangerous carnivorous globally. These big cats also enjoy quite a Lifespan before they pass away. This piece will consider how long Tigers live in the wild and their typical life cycle.
How Long Do Tigers Live in The Wild?
Tigers in the wild have an average lifespan of 15 years. In captivity, the lifespan of a tiger can increase as they are much safer and protected from natural threats.
Half of the tiger cubs in the wild do not survive the harsh living conditions they are born into. Although living in the wild negatively affects a tiger’s lifespan, its impact on the ecosystem cannot be replaced.
Tiger Lifespan in Captivity
Tigers in captivity have a lifespan of 20-26 years. They can live this long as they are cared for and protected from natural challenges that those in the wild face. However, tigers privately owned are used for lucrative purposes, and how they care for these animals cannot be monitored.
The ecosystem would suffer if there were no tigers in the wild. With the current decline of these cats worldwide, some should be returned to the wild, and laws should protect them.
How Long Do White Tigers Live?
On average white tigers have a lifespan of 15 years, while those in captivity can live up to 26 years. Almost all the white tigers in the world are in captivity, and for 50 years, non have been seen in the wild. People have hunted and captured the white tiger for centuries for its looks and beauty.
The Life Cycle of a Tiger
The life cycle of a tiger starts from birth when the tigress births 2-4 cubs with their eyes closed, and they are nursed for 6-8 weeks with milk. Then the tigress feeds her young ones with meat, and they watch her hunt and learn.
When they are over two years, their mother leaves them to fend for themselves while she goes to another habitat. On their own, they would hunt and defend themselves when the need arose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Tigers Are Left in the World?
There are approximately 4500 tigers in the world, according to the World Wildlife Funds [WWF]. However, there are more than 8000 tigers in Asia, while the US has about 5000 in captivity. Loss of habitat and poaching are some of the issues that cause the decline in the world’s tiger populations.
How Long Do Lions Live?
Female lions can live as long as 15-16 years, while male lions have a lifespan of 8-10 years. However, lions in captivity that don’t have natural threats can live much longer. Living in the wild is tough for animals as they face challenges like food scarcity, diseases, and natural threats, affecting the lion’s lifespan.
