Reproductive System

Bengal tigers reproduce sexually with a mate. Tigers don’t have a set season for reproduction to take place. Instead they are able to engage in the activities throughout the year.  Most of the time it will occur from late November through early April. Males are ready to mate when they are  5 years of age. For females it is about 3 ½ years of age. Once conception has occurred, it will take about 16 weeks for  cubs to be born. The male and female part ways after conception. So she will be on her own to take care of them during the incubation period and afterwards. She will find a den where she can go to before they are born. Generally there will be three pups born at a time. They weight about 2 pounds each. The cubs will remain in the den until they are about 8 weeks old. The males  try to kill these young cubs if they come into contact with them. This is because the female will then be able to mate again with him.