A large male Bengal tiger is about 3m long from nose to tail. Of this, the tail measures 1m. It might weigh as much as 250 kg. Female tigers are somewhat smaller. Tigers are usually solitary animals except when breeding, when a female is rearing cubs, or when a group of young ones stay together for a short while after their mother has left them to fend for themselves.
Male tigers have territories which they fiercely defend against other males.
These territories could also cover the home ranges of several females. Both males and females mark the boundaries of their areas by spraying a mixture of urine and scent on the trees, bushes and grass. Claw marking of tree trunks is also a way of marking boundaries. Once a tiger selects its territory, it spends most of its time in the centre of the area and returns to it after a hunting expedition. Space is very important.