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Tiger
The tiger is the largest of the cat family. The other three large or roaring cats are the lion, jaguar and leopard. Tigers have long reddish brown coats with white tummies and white and black tails. Their heads, bodies, legs and tails all have black stripes.
There are seven sub species – Bengal, Siberian, Indo Chinese, south Chinese, Sumatran and Malayan. Three others have died out – Caspian, Javan and Bali. All sub species of tigers are endangered and the south Chinese tiger is almost extinct – only 20 are known to be living in the wild. Sumatran, Malaysian and Siberian tigers are also at great risk with only around 500 each known to be living in the wild. The greatest threat to tigers is people. Tigers are killed for their coats and body parts that are used in traditional Asian medicines.
Tigers live in tropical forests, woodlands and grassy savannahs. They are mostly nocturnal and hunt at night. They are good swimmers and can kill while swimming. They are solitary animals except when mating. The female tiger normally has three or four cubs, which are kept in the den until eight weeks old. But they only become independent at 18 months and don’ t leave their mothers until 2 ½ years.
Found in India, Siberia, Indochina, China, Sumatra, Malaysia
Height: 1m at shoulder Length: 1.5 – 2.8m Weight: 115 – 300kg Eating habits: carnivore
Favourite food: deer, wild pig, water buffalo, antelopes
Special features: black stripes on head, body, legs and tails; excellent swimmer
Status: Endangered
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