Many people have a particular image in mind when they think about the life of a big cat in the wild – the lush tropical rainforests of southern Asia. For those who wish to do more than simply imagine the scene, and see it for themselves by embarking on Tiger tours, it will soon become apparent that this is only one of the many kinds of habitats that the majestic animal can be found in. Like many members of the cat family, they are highly adaptable, and can be found in a vast and diverse array of Asian climates and ecosystems. The most iconic and powerful subspecies of all, the Bengal Tiger, can certainly be found in the heart of the jungle – as well as in a range of other environments. Here are some of the places where sightings are possible on the Indian Subcontinent.
Forests
While they are most often found in forest areas, the types of forests they inhabit vary widely. Those who visit more than one wildlife reserve while on Tiger tours will notice differences in terrain, plant life, and other animal species as they travel. Some of the most popular parks are characterized by a particular type of forest, such as Ranthambore National Park, an area of tropical dry forests filled with hundreds of species of flowering plants, with much of the foliage dying back in the winter. Other parks contain a mix of forest habitats, such as Panna, where you can find moist deciduous forests (perhaps the closest to the enduringly popular images of the ‘steamy jungle’ environment), subtropical dry forests, and teak forests. The famous big cat can also be found in the evergreen forests in the north, and mangrove forests of the south. As long as there is sufficient cover for hunting and a healthy population of prey species, they can thrive in almost any kind of forest.
Grasslands and Wetlands
Many of the reserves favored by Tiger tours include not only dense wooded areas but open meadows, grasslands, and wetlands as well. The animal may prefer areas with plenty of trees when it comes to finding shelter, but more open areas have their own benefits, particularly in terms of sighting and ambushing prey – so it is not unusual for sightings to occur in places where the forest meets the plains. Well known for their love of water, the big cats are particularly fond of grasslands surrounding rivers, where they can hunt, fish, and bathe.
Coasts and Swamps
They may not be the first animal that people associate with the seashore, but their adaptability means that certain populations are very much at home in salt water. One of the largest National Parks for Tiger tours is the Sundarbans, a mangrove forest straddling the border of Bangladesh and West Bengal, and home to a large population that spend much of their time in the water.