Tigers prefer cool, overcast conditions or evenings and nighttimes for their hunting. They are able to see in the dark far better than human beings, making them efficient nocturnal hunters. The tiger has several physical adaptations that facilitate its method of hunting. These include:
Teeth The tigers teeth can measure up to nine centimetres (or three inches) in length, depending on subspecies and gender. They have 30 teeth, which are designed to help them to grip struggling prey, break bones and rip flesh.
Claws Incredibly, the claws of a tiger can reach an amazing five inches (or almost 13 centimetres) in length. These are sharpened on trees and serve to immobilise prey that is running away at high speed. They are retractable, so that they do not cause discomfort when not in use.
Vision The eye of this wild cat has a retinal adaptation that allows light to reflect back onto the retina as well as round pupils and yellow irises, all of which make tigers especially adept at seeing in the dark.
Speed Tigers are able to reach speed-bursts of up to 50 miles, or 80 kilometres, per hour. However, this speed cannot be maintained over longer distances, and is only used to make the final attack and, hopefully, kill.
Hearing The sense of smell in these able hunters needs to be acute so that they are able to detect prey that is moving quietly through the bushes or grasses.