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Kotwal, P.C.; Gopal, R.
Radio telemetry and field observations on territoriality of tigers in Kanha National Park
1995 Tiger Paper (22): 6-11
Radio-telemetry has been used in the recent past as a handy tool to study the spatial needs and territoriality of tigers. The land tenure system in tigers has been documented by several workers. The studies on tiger sociology indicate a polygynous mating system, with males establishing exclusive intra-sexual territories which are heavily marked for recognition by conspecifics. The females are also known to maintain exclusive territories encompassed within those of the males. Based on the radio-telemetry and regular field observations over a decade in Kanha, it has been observed that although the female territories are encompassed within those of the males during courtship and mating, their land tenure system is modified during the post-natal care period, and as a result, they tend to maintain not only intra-sexual, but heavily guarded intersexual territories as well. This paper outlines some observations made in this regard at Kanha National Park.
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