Tigers -- hunting, prey and captive feeding.

Failures:

Despite their range of abilities only about one attack in every 20 attempts is successful. Though the figure sounds low, this is quite an acceptable level where the tiger's territory is well stocked with prey. It also explains the importance of ensuring man does not decimate prey species to a grave extent. In cases where prey is in short supply the tiger's low success rate may become life threatening.

If the attack goes wrong and the target escapes it will rarely be followed, the tiger being too big and heavy to have any hope of catching it. Prey animals are often attacked and badly mauled yet manage a successful escape -- only to die later of loss of blood and shock.

Hindrances to hunting:

A number of things hinder the ability of the tiger to successfully make a kill.

These are:

Sensitive paw pads which cannot cope with hot stones or rough ground without being burnt or torn.

The inability to maintain the chase. Whereas a cheetah can run for a long distance at speed the tiger makes only two, at most three, springs at prey before giving up.

Other animals are wary of the tiger so when it enters an area they issue warning cries, putting possible prey on the alert. Monkey and peafowl frequently give verbal warning that a tiger is in the area.

If it was not for these natural limitations the tiger would be able to kill much more than needed, eating itself out of house and home in the process.

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