Adult tigers lead largely solitary lives. They establish and maintain territories, within which they satisfy their needs and those of their growing cubs. Individuals sharing the same area are aware of each other's movements and activities. The size of the home range mainly depends on prey abundance, and, in the case of males, on access to females. A female tiger may have a territory of 20 km2 (7.7 sq mile), and a may have a territory of 60 to 100 km2 (23 to 39 sq mile).
Tigers are strong swimmers and often deliberately bathe in ponds, lakes, and rivers. They may cross rivers up to 7 km (4.3 mi) across and can swim up to 29 km (18 mi) in a day. They are able to carry prey through or capture it in the water.
To identify its territory, the tigers will mark the trees by spraying urine and anal gland secretions/ feces, or the ground with their claws. An adult of either sex will sometimes share its kill with others and cubs.
Male tigers are generally more intolerant of other males within their territories than females are of other females. Territory disputes are usually solved by displays of intimidation rather than outright aggression. Several such incidents have been observed in which the subordinate tiger yielded defeat by rolling onto its back and showing its belly in a submissive posture.
Tigers roar, particularly in aggressive situations, during the mating season or when making a kill. There are two different roars: 1) the "true" roar is made using the hyoid apparatus and forced through an open mouth as it progressively closes, and 2) the shorter, harsher "coughing" roar is made with the mouth open and teeth exposed. Tigers can also growl, hiss and chuff as an affectionate greeting. In 2000, researchers discovered that tigers could also communicate on frequencies too low for human to hear.
The "true" roar can be heard at up to 3 km (1.9 miles) away and is sometimes emitted three or four times in succession.
Moaning ("coughing" roar) can be heard 400 m (1,300 ft) away.