3-year-old Bhima defies tiger ways, sticks to mom

Nagpur: Science and research say tiger cubs become independent from their mothers at 17-24 months. Males travel further from their mother’s range than females. But defying this behaviour is an extended family of tigers in Sirkada area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) buffer zone.

Currently, the family consists of five tigers — Dadhiyal (has a beard), Patlinbai, 3-year-old Bhima (the pair’s cub from a first litter) and two sub-adult cubs.

In Tadoba landscape, where 6 tigers occupy 100 sq km, male cubs generally separate early in search of new territories. While 1 male and 2 females from Patlinbai’s first litter of four have moved way, Bhima, born in 2018, continues to stay put with her second litter delivered last year. The big family was photographed by India’s well-known wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu and tourist Nikhil Abhyankar on March 29.

“All the five could not be captured in one frame as Dadhiyal left the spot on seeing the tourists. The other four looked very relaxed. The family of five was sighted by several tourists before tourism was withdrawn recently due to Covidd. Bhima seems to be still dependent on Patlinbai,” said Abhyankar.

The wildlife buff has shot some videos too. “In one, Bhima can be seen pushing Patlinbai to suck her nipples. It still shows cub behaviour,” said Abhyankar.

WII tiger scientist Bilal Habib says wildlife science is about the “living system and can defy logic”. “Dispersal depends on local circumstances and it not necessary that males cubs have to disperse after two years,” he added.

Habib also cited the example of Matkasur (8 years) and Chhota Matka (3 years) being seen together in Tadoba. “Traditionally, Chhota Matka should have been overpowered by Matkasur. With other males eyeing Matkasur’s territory, he realised that both together would be able to fight off the new entrant,” said Habib.

Tadoba field director Jitendra Ramgaonkar dubs it as a unique case. “We focus on 15-20 tigers in the tourism zone but there are 200 plus tigers in the district, and we don’t know if a similar trend is witnessed elsewhere. It is a matter to study,” he said.

Nallamuthu says that male sub-adult cubs are “usually the last ones to leave the tigress”. “It tries to take maximum advantage of being with the mother before separation. “However, this is not a healthy sign. It may lead to territorial fights and cubs being killed for mating with females,” he added.

Deputy director (buffer) G Guruprasad is also surprised at Bhima’s behaviour. “It is not only living peacefully with the family but also takes care of the Patlinbai’s new cubs. I’ve heard about one such case among tigers in Kabini in Karnataka.”