Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a mammal listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Orange coat with black stripes unique to each animal, white underparts and white spots behind the ears. Typical weight: males commonly 180–260 kg; females 100–160 kg. India: 3,682 (2022 mean estimate, about 75% of the world’s wild tigers). In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is march–June, when animals gather near water; morning drives are most productive.
- Scientific name
- Panthera tigris tigris
- IUCN status
- Endangered
- Weight
- Males commonly 180–260 kg; females 100–160 kg
- Lifespan
- About 10–15 years in the wild
- Local name
- Wagh (Marathi), Bagh / Sher (Hindi)
Highlights
- Orange coat with black stripes unique to each animal, white underparts and white spots behind the ears.
- Large and medium-sized ungulates, with prey varying by habitat and opportunity.
- India: 3,682 (2022 mean estimate, about 75% of the world’s wild tigers). Maharashtra: 444. Tadoba: 80+ in the reserve, around 200 across the wider landscape.
- Best time to see: March–June, when animals gather near water; morning drives are most productive.
Bengal Tiger Quick Facts
Key figures for the bengal tiger. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Bengal Tiger |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Panthera tigris tigris |
| Family | Mammal · Felidae |
| Local names | Wagh (Marathi), Bagh / Sher (Hindi) |
| Size | Males about 2.7–3.1 m from nose to tail tip |
| Weight | Males commonly 180–260 kg; females 100–160 kg |
| Lifespan | About 10–15 years in the wild |
| Breeding | Gestation of about 3.5 months; litters of 2–4 cubs that stay with the mother for roughly two years. |
| Diet | Large and medium-sized ungulates, with prey varying by habitat and opportunity. |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
| Population | India: 3,682 (2022 mean estimate, about 75% of the world’s wild tigers). Maharashtra: 444. Tadoba: 80+ in the reserve, around 200 across the wider landscape. |
How to Identify a Bengal Tiger
Orange coat with black stripes unique to each animal, white underparts and white spots behind the ears.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Bengal Tiger Habitat
Requires connected habitat with prey, water, cover and space. Individuals maintain territories that ignore tourism boundaries.
What Does the Bengal Tiger Eat?
Large and medium-sized ungulates, with prey varying by habitat and opportunity.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Bengal Tiger Behaviour and Breeding
Mostly solitary. Tigers communicate through scent, calls, scrapes and visual marks; females raise cubs without routine male parental care.
Gestation of about 3.5 months; litters of 2–4 cubs that stay with the mother for roughly two years.
Bengal Tiger in Tadoba
Tadoba is a major Central Indian source landscape, connected with surrounding forest divisions and corridors.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Bengal Tiger in Pench
Pench MP and Maharashtra form one connected interstate landscape within a wider Central Indian network.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Bengal Tiger
March–June, when animals gather near water; morning drives are most productive.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Bengal Tiger Population and Conservation
India: 3,682 (2022 mean estimate, about 75% of the world’s wild tigers). Maharashtra: 444. Tadoba: 80+ in the reserve, around 200 across the wider landscape.
Protection must extend beyond sightings: prey recovery, corridor connectivity, conflict reduction and evidence-led monitoring all matter.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a bengal tiger?
Males about 2.7–3.1 m from nose to tail tip. Males commonly 180–260 kg; females 100–160 kg.
Is the bengal tiger endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Endangered. India: 3,682 (2022 mean estimate, about 75% of the world’s wild tigers). Maharashtra: 444. Tadoba: 80+ in the reserve, around 200 across the wider landscape.
What does the bengal tiger eat?
Large and medium-sized ungulates, with prey varying by habitat and opportunity.
Where can I see the bengal tiger in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. March–June, when animals gather near water; morning drives are most productive.
How long does a bengal tiger live?
About 10–15 years in the wild.
What is the bengal tiger called locally?
Wagh (Marathi), Bagh / Sher (Hindi)
Continue Exploring
30,000+
Travellers have explored the wild with us across India.
4.9 / 5
Rated across TripAdvisor and Google reviews.
Naturalist-led
Safaris planned around official gates, seasons and permits.
24/7 on-trip help
We are reachable before, during and after your trip.
Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Bengal tigress with her cub at the edge of tall grass in Tadoba — Rohit Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Tiger lying in a forest clearing in Pench — Drashokk, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Tiger almost hidden in tall golden grass in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — Eeshan Sonak, CC BY-SA 4.0
See the bengal tiger in the wild
Our naturalist-led safaris in Tadoba and Pench give you the best chance. Share your dates and we will plan the right zones, season and stay.
Explore More
Wildlife Encyclopedia