Tiger

Tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest species among the Felid family. They are most recognizable for their pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside.

Taxonomy

The tiger is in the genus Panthera and is classified under the family Felidae. The species was first described by the Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

Characteristics

Tigers are apex predators, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and bovids. They are territorial and generally solitary but social animals, often requiring large contiguous areas of habitat that support their prey requirements.

Distribution and habitat

Tigers are native to much of eastern and southern Asia. They are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, subtropical and tropical rainforests, scrub forests, wet and dry deciduous forests, and mangroves.

Conservation

Tigers are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and population fragmentation, which is exacerbated by hunting and poaching.

Cultural significance

In many cultures, the tiger is a symbol of power and strength. They feature prominently in ancient mythology and folklore and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature.

See also

• Bengal tiger
• Siberian tiger
• Tiger conservation
• Tiger hunting