The Ecological Niche of a Tiger Cub
A tiger cub’s niche is closely tied to its mother and territory. For the first two to three years of life, the cub depends on its mother for food, protection, and survival lessons.
Born blind and helpless in a den, cubs gradually learn to hunt by stalking small animals and eventually larger prey like deer and wild pigs. They also learn territorial behaviors, defending their space from rivals.
Because the cub’s role depends so heavily on maternal guidance and territorial stability, its niche is essential to the continuation of the tiger species.