Wanderers
Tigers are not just apex predators, they are also wanderers. Across India, tigers have been documented traveling hundreds of miles into unknown terrain, often beyond reserves. Scientists explain that while the species is territorial, dispersal is critical for survival. Young adults, especially males, venture into new landscapes to find mates, establish territories, and secure prey.
Studies reveal astonishing distances: one tiger traveled over 1,300 kilometers across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh before settling. Others have crossed highways, rivers, and even human-dominated landscapes. Such journeys show the resilience of tigers, but also the risks — vehicle collisions, electrocution, snares, and retaliation from communities.
The pattern underscores why tiger corridors are vital. Without safe passage, wanderers are forced into villages and farmland, increasing conflict and mortality. Connectivity between reserves is not a luxury but a necessity for genetic diversity and long-term survival. Tigers will always roam — the challenge is ensuring they have landscapes worth reaching.
The wanderers article:
Based on The Federal, India.
Photo via The Federal.
