A Study on Nutrition, Management, Reproduction and Behavior of Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera Tigris) in Captivity in Chattogram Zoo

Abstract

Zoo or safari parks can play a significant role in helping to rescue wildlife, especially tigers that are ecologically vulnerable. In Bangladesh, zoos and safari parks are also considered as an important part in saving and conserving tigers and other wildlife species. There are two safari parks and roughly seven zoos that are well-known in our country. The study was carried out at Chattogram Zoo, Foy’s Lake, south Khulshi, Chattogram; during the period from April 2022 to May 2022. The subjects were 16 healthy captive tigers from the zoo. Data were collected from those tigers about the housing, feeding, reproductive parameters, behavior, and outcome of the captive breeding program by constructing a questionnaire. Results showed that each animal has at least 37m2 of floor space and at least 3.5 m of height in their cages. The alignment of each cage was spherical. The cages were cleaned daily between 7 am and10 am in morning. Every tiger was given beef or chicken. Adults were provided 10 kg, subadults got 5 kg, growing cubs got 3 kg and cubs got 2 kg of meat per day, whereas fasting is practiced one day per week. The reproductive parameters showed that individual approximate birth weight was 600 to 900gm, age of puberty in 25-30 months, gestation period 98- 105 days, and month of cubbing from January to December. Those who are 6 months old were given the rabies vaccine and regular deworming was practiced in parasite management. Feeding behavior, maternal behavior, behavior in the presence of a keeper, competitive behavior, and reproductive behavior were observed and no abnormal or stereotypical behavior was visible. Finally, of this successful breeding program of tigers, Chattogram Zoo authority is planning of releasing surplus tigers into the Night Safari Park of Shitakund, Chattogram. To make the captive breeding program successful and increase the number of tigers, it is inevitable to learn about their nutrition, housing, management, and behavior in captivity which can contribute to the national conservation of tigers in the near future.