Unusual Relatives

Unusual Relatives

One of the few things that have remained constant with my frequent visits to the wilderness is the unpredictability with which nature often presents its mechanisms and functioning—often logical and beautiful and at times intricate, obscure, and yet awe-inspiring. Some instances can outright challenge our understanding of wildlife and often redefine their established patterns of existence.

One such remarkable example that I recently had the chance to witness and document was of this dynamic duo of two male sub-adult tigers from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve known as 'Mama Bhanja.'

As per the local story, the forest guide and driver relayed, the 'Mama Bhanja' duo consists of two sub-adult male tigers from different mothers who currently roam their territory together. The younger cub, affectionately called Bhanja, is raised by his mother, Bijli. Intriguingly, the elder cub, known as Mama, belongs to another female tiger, Choti Tara. Yet he resides with Bijli, one of Choti Tara’s daughters from an earlier litter. And Bijli has been seen caring for both of them on multiple accounts.

This unusual arrangement, which for me was a first-ever encounter related to big cats or predators, felt similar to this other case I had read about a few years back, where a male tiger from Panna had taken up the role of feeding and protecting two orphaned cubs after their mother was killed. Both cases raise significant questions about the tiger's social behaviours and maternal instincts as they toy with set norms of the tiger's social dynamics in the wilderness.

Typically, female tigers are known for their solitary nature, especially when it comes to raising their cubs. Once the cubs mature, they become competitors for food and territory. Research indicates that adult tigers, regardless of their previous kinship, often regard each other as rivals. According to Goodrich et al. (2010), "tigers are solitary hunters and, except for mothers with cubs or males seeking mates, do not form social groups." This competitive aspect is a defining characteristic of tiger behaviour.

The case of Bijli raising a cub that isn't her own is particularly fascinating because it challenges the established understanding of tiger maternal behaviour. Female tigers do not adopt or nurture cubs from other litter. For instance, Smith et al. (1987) found that "female tigers show no tendency to adopt cubs from other litters, and such behaviour, if it occurs, is exceedingly rare with reasons unknown."

This could indicate the pressure of an external causal factor, which led me to gloss through a few studies that have shown that tigers in India's fragmented habitats face unique challenges and that it can influence their social interactions, According to a study published in PLOS ONE, tiger populations in India are often fragmented and require habitat connectivity for long-term survival. This fragmentation could potentially lead to unusual social behaviours as tigers navigate their complex environments (PLOS ONE, 2021). Moreover, a few other studies on social behaviour in other big cats, like the work by Packer and Pusey (1997) on lions, show that big cats can exhibit a range of social behaviours based on environmental pressures and genetic advantages.

Therefore, there could be several factors that could explain the occurrence of this unusual behaviour:

1. Kinship and Genetic Investment:

Since Bijli is Choti Tara's daughter, there might be a genetic inclination towards inclusive fitness. By raising Mama, albeit indirectly, Bijli ensures the survival of her genetic lineage. This concept is supported by Hamilton's rule, which suggests that individuals may exhibit altruistic behaviour towards their kin if the genetic payoff is substantial and ensures survival. Goodrich et al. (2010) also note that "kin selection can influence social behaviours, especially in species where territorial overlap occurs."

2. Territorial Strategy:

This is a factor that could be at play in Tadoba Andhari TR, where the tiger density is quite high compared to the area of the reserve. Where forming alliances could be a strategic move to secure larger territories. This collaborative approach might offer a survival advantage, especially for sub-adult males yet to establish dominance. According to Smith et al. (1987), "sub-adult tigers often face significant challenges in establishing territories, and alliances can provide temporary stability” in ensuring food availability and protection against elder tigers.

3. Social Learning:

The last and quite unlikely factor could be that Bijli's behaviour is influenced by social learning, where she mimics behaviours observed in her environment. This phenomenon is well documented in primates and other social animals but is less understood and observed in solitary big cats. Packer and Pusey (1997) discuss similar instances in lions, noting that "young lions learn crucial survival skills through social interactions with group members."

In summation, the 'Mama Bhanja' case suggests broader implications that could reshape our understanding of big-cat social structures. It suggests a level of social flexibility and adaptability that is often underappreciated in tigers. These behaviours may not be widespread, but they could indicate a hidden complexity in tiger social interactions that warrants further investigation. Similarly, the story of 'Mama Bhanja' might be a phenomenon that could reflect an adaptive strategy in response to specific ecological conditions at play.

In conclusion, the story of 'Mama Bhanja' demonstrates the intricate and often surprising behaviours exhibited by big cats. It challenges the conventional wisdom about tiger social structures and maternal instincts, suggesting a potential for greater social flexibility and cooperation among these apex predators. Until the day they grow and eventually fight for their territory or leave in search of a new one, the 'Mama Bhanja' duo stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of wildlife, inviting us to look closer and think deeper about the lives of the animals we share our planet with.

References:-

1. Goodrich, J. M., Quigley, H. B., & Hornocker, M. G. (2010). Tiger ecology and behaviour. The University of Chicago Press.

2. Smith, J. L. D., McDougal, C., & Miquelle, D. (1987). Female land tenure system in tigers. American Society of Mammalogists.

3. Packer, C., & Pusey, A. E. (1997). Divided we fall: Cooperation among lions. Scientific American.

4. Wildlife FAQ. (2021). How do tigers interact socially within their families and beyond?

5. PLOS ONE. (2021). Prioritizing Tiger Conservation through Landscape Genetics and Habitat Linkages.

Understanding the story of 'Mama-Bhanja' tigers