Tigers

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Tiger
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Panthera&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Panthera
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Panthera P. tigris
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Panthera Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Current distribution of tigers

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest 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. It is an apex predator, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and bovids. It is territorial and generally a solitary but social predator, requiring large contiguous areas of habitat, which support its requirements for prey and rearing of its offspring. Tiger cubs stay with their mother for about two years before becoming independent and eventually establishing their own territories.

Description

Tigers have a muscular body with powerful forelimbs, a large head, and a tail that is about half the length of its body. Their pelage is dense and heavy, and coloration varies between shades of orange and brown with white ventral areas and distinctive vertical black stripes that are unique in each individual.

Distribution and habitat

Historically, tigers were widespread across Asia, from the Caspian region to Siberia and South East Asia. Today, they are restricted to much smaller areas in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, with isolated populations in Indonesia (Sumatra) and Russia (Siberia). They inhabit a range of habitats including tropical forests, evergreen forests, woodlands, and grasslands.

Behavior and ecology

Tigers are known for their strength and powerful hunting techniques. They primarily hunt large mammals such as Chital, sambar, Gaur, and occasionally also smaller species such as rabbits or monkeys. They are solitary animals, with each adult tiger having its own territory. Despite their fearsome reputation, they avoid humans; however, they will occasionally come into conflict with humans when their natural prey is scarce.

Conservation

The tiger is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Major threats to the tiger include habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, and poaching. They are also affected by the illegal wildlife trade where they are poached for their fur, bones, and other body parts, often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation, breeding programs, and the implementation of laws that protect them.

Cultural significance

Tigers have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore and continue to be featured in modern films and literature. They are also considered a national animal in several countries across Asia.

See also

• Bengal tiger
• Siberian tiger
• Indochinese tiger
• Malayan tiger
• South China tiger
• Sumatran tiger