THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While tigers are facing the threat of extinction all over the world, there is a huge increase in their numbers in Kerala. There are 190 tigers in Palakkad Parambikulam, Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2008, it was 71. At present there are 2,967 tigers in the country. Kerala is also the state that does the best tiger conservation work in the country. Periyar Reserve has been selected as the best tiger reserve among the total of 50 tiger reserves in 18 states.

Meanwhile, five people have been killed in tiger attacks in the state in the last four years. Tigers don't usually attack humans, but they started coming into the human settlements when the forest is encroached. They turn to humans when they can't find other animals to prey on. Deer, wild boar, monkey and wild buffalo are the main prey.

Heavy eaters

Tigers can eat up to 40 kg of meat in one go. It is strong enough to kill animals twice its own weight with ease. They do not roar in front of their prey. Roaring is used to communicate with other tigers. This sound can be heard upto 5 km.

Roaming

A female tigress needs a forest area of ​​20 square kilometres to roam. This is 60 to 100 square kilometres for a male tiger.