Learn about Tigers

Image by Blake Meyer, Unsplash

Introduction of Tiger

Tiger is the largest living cat species. Initially, there were nine subspecies, among which six are living today.
Bengal Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Sumatran Tiger etc are the common variants.
Only about 4500 to 5500 tigers are left in the forest, among which more than 50% live in Indian Jungles.
Tigers are carnivores.
Each tiger owns its specific pattern of strips, and it's a distinct mark like fingerprints.
Tiger stripes are also embedded in their skin, meaning if you shave a tiger, you will get similar strips in their skin as well.
Tigers are listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List.
Tigers prefer dry stream beds to walk to eliminate irritation of vegetation touching their faces.
Tigers can jump up to 10 meters.
Tigers usually are not a man-eater. However, old age and other disabilities sometimes transform them into a man-eater.

A tiger can grow up to 300 kg with a muscular body and mighty limbs.
Tiger size varies between 8 to 12 feet. Male tigers are larger than females, and generally, it is a 1.7:1 ratio.
Each tiger paw has four normal claws of up to 10 cm in length and one specialised claw, also called a dewclaw.
Adult tigers canines can be up to 8 cm long, and it is the largest among all big cats.

The average lifespan in the wild is between 8 to 10 years. Tigers mate throughout the year, but they generally give birth in the month of May-June. At a time, they give birth to 3 to 5 cubs.
The average gestation period is 100-105 days.
Cub's eyes remain closed until 8 to 14 days. Cubs start eating meat from the age of 8/10 weeks.
Male tigers stay with their mother until 18 to 22 months of age, and female tigers remain with their mothers for up to 30 months.
Females are taking care of cubs alone; however, their father protects the area from other adult males and provides a safer environment.

Tigers are solitary animals. Depending on food and tiger population, the female tiger establishes her territory of around 10 to 20 Sq Km.
In general, male tiger territory comprises 4 to 5 female tigers territory.
They marked their territory with urine. From urine odour, the tiger can estimate the age, sex, the health of the other tigers.
Tigers can reach a speed of 70 km/hrs within 5 seconds, but the average top speed range at 65 km/hrs for a shorter distance.
They need to reach close proximity before launching their hunt; otherwise, they won't succeed.
Tiger loves water and is an expert swimmer. They frequently cross rivers.
Tigers have the biggest brain among big cats. Because of this, they are smart and can remember exact routes within the territory.

Tigers are apex predators and hunt deer, bison, nilgai etc. They can eat up to 25 kg in a single meal.
Tigers are nocturnal animals, but they hunt in daylight as well.
A tiger roar often paralysed its pray.
Tigers can kill animals five times more heavier than them.
Tiger saves their kills and eats up to 3 days from the kill.