tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is a large felid and an apex predator native to Asia. It is the largest member of the cat family, with males generally larger than females. Tigers are distinguished by their orange coat with black stripes and a white chest and belly; each tiger’s stripe pattern is unique.

Subspecies and taxonomy are subject to differing classifications, but six extant subspecies are commonly recognized: Bengal (P. t. tigris), Siberian or Amur (P. t. altaica), Indochinese (P. t. corbetti), Malayan (P. t. jacksoni), Sumatra (P. t. sumatrae), and South China (P. t. amoyensis). The South China tiger is considered critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild. Genetic research has influenced how scientists classify subspecies, and some authorities emphasize broader diversity within a smaller number of groups.

Tiger populations historically occupied forests, mangroves, and grasslands across much of Asia. Today their range is highly fragmented due to habitat loss, human development, and poaching. They prefer dense vegetation that supports their ambush hunting strategy.

As solitary animals, tigers maintain large territories and communicate through vocalizations, scent marking, and visual signals. They are carnivorous, feeding mainly on large ungulates such as deer and wild boar, though they will prey on smaller animals when necessary. Reproduction occurs year-round in some regions, with litters of two to three cubs; gestation lasts about three to four months, and cubs remain with the mother for up to two years.

Conservation status is Endangered, with fewer than an estimated several thousand individuals in the wild. Threats include habitat fragmentation, poaching for illegal wildlife trade, and depletion of prey. Protected areas, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat corridors are central to conservation strategies.