TIGERS appear to rely on booming low-frequency sounds – much of it inaudible to humans – to drive rivals away from their territory and to attract mates. The discovery may explain how the animals maintain large hunting territories, and may also help conservationists to protect the endangered animals.
Tigers produce a wide variety of sounds, from deep roars and growls to the raspberry-like “chuffing” they use to greet each other. A roar followed by a growl is probably designed to intimidate rivals.
Tiger watchers have long suspected that the animals’ vocal repertoire helps them maintain their hunting grounds. Now Ed Walsh and…
