Tiger

Large cat native to Asia

Tiger
A female tiger walking
Panthera tigris
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Panthera
Species	tigris
Binomial name	Panthera tigris
Binomial authority
Synonyms

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognizable for its dark vertical stripes on orange-brown fur with a lighter underside. Tigers are apex predators, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and wild boar. They are territorial and generally solitary but social animals, often requiring large contiguous areas of habitat that support their prey requirements.

Physical characteristics

A tiger in Ranthambhore

Tigers have muscular bodies with powerful forelimbs, large heads, and long tails. Their pelage is dense and heavy, and coloration varies between shades of orange with white ventral areas and distinctive black stripes. The pattern of stripes is unique to each tiger and acts as camouflage in their natural habitat.

Distribution and habitat

Tigers are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, and swamps. Historically, they ranged widely across Asia, from the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea to Siberia and Indonesia. Today, their range has been significantly reduced, and they are found in isolated pockets in India, China, Southeast Asia, and Siberia.

Subspecies

There are several recognized subspecies of tigers, each adapted to their specific environment:

• Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) - Found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) - Found in Southeast Asia.
• Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) - Found in the Malay Peninsula.
• Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) - Found in the Russian Far East.
• South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) - Critically endangered, possibly extinct in the wild.
• Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) - Found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

A Caspian tiger, now extinct

The Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) and the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) are extinct subspecies.

Behavior and ecology

Tigers are solitary hunters, and their social system is connected through visual signals, scent marks, and vocalizations. They are known for their strength and power, capable of bringing down prey much larger than themselves. Tigers are also excellent swimmers and often cool off in lakes and rivers during the heat of the day.

Conservation

A Siberian tiger

Tigers are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and maintaining genetic diversity through breeding programs.

Cultural significance

Tigers have been an integral part of Asian culture and mythology for centuries. They are often seen as symbols of power, courage, and strength. In Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the Chinese zodiac animals and is revered as a protector against evil spirits.

Related pages

• Lion
• Leopard
• Jaguar
• Cheetah