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. It reduces the frequency of fights between males competing for females.
Tigers can breed at any time of year, but they usually mate in winter or spring.
The mating period lasts 20 to 30 days. If a female does not find a mate at the right time, she may come on heat again later. A tigress bears cubs only once every three-four years. Normally, two to four cubs are born after a gestation period of about 113 days. On rare occasions a tigress may produce as many as six cubs, but the chances of all surviving are slim.