Tigers and lions are two of the most iconic big cats in the world, each with its own unique habitat and territorial characteristics. Tigers are primarily found in the dense forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps of Asia. Their range extends from the Russian Far East to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. Tigers tend to prefer isolated, dense habitats where they can use their camouflage to their advantage, stalking prey in thick vegetation. They are solitary animals, with each tiger marking its territory using scent markings, scratches, and vocalizations to ward off other tigers. The vast forests and jungles provide the cover they need for stealthy hunting and avoiding human activity.

On the other hand, lions are typically associated with open savannahs and grasslands, where they form prides that consist of several females, their offspring, and a few males. Lions are found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, although a small population exists in the Gir Forest of India. The open landscape of Africa is ideal for lions, as it allows them to hunt in coordinated groups, using teamwork to bring down large prey such as zebras and wildebeests. Unlike tigers, lions are social creatures, and their territory is often defined by the pride. Male lions are the primary defenders of the pride's territory, marking it with scent and using roars to establish dominance. While tigers often prefer secluded areas, lions thrive in regions where they can assert dominance over a larger area and benefit from the protection and cooperation of their pride.

The differences in their habitats also influence their hunting behaviors. Tigers are solitary hunters, relying on stealth and surprise to catch their prey, while lions hunt in groups, using teamwork to encircle and overpower their quarry. The geographical areas they inhabit, the social structures they form, and their strategies for hunting all point to the distinct ecological niches that tigers and lions occupy, showing how these majestic creatures have adapted to their environments.