One of best-known animals is the tiger. Most people, not knowing a real one, recognizes this cat and associates it with attributes such as strength, fierceness, and power. Impressive, right? Considering that its historical range has been only the Asian continent.
Tigers are part of the popular culture and many characters, sometimes anthropomorphized, are tigers. On the other hand, it is understandable that many Asian countries give a particular role to these felines in the formation of their culture and folklore.
TIGERS IN ASIAN CULTURE
Thousands of years ago, Tigers walked at their leisure in Asian territory, making it relatively common for villagers to find them. They did not overlook their beauty, their ability and their effectiveness in hunting. Perhaps China is the richest country in myths, representations, traditions, and legends related to Tigers.
According to traditional astrology, the first tiger in the world had its origin with the metamorphosis of the Alioth star of the Big Dipper Constellation.
Chinese art has an impressive amount of objects with tigers, symbolizing the earth and matter as opposed to the dragon, which represents the spirit. In stories that have passed from generation to generation, Tigers are the protectors of good people and kill evil men. In houses and temples are common the paintings of these cats, which are believed to drive away the evil spirits. Already in Imperial China, the war was personified with the figure of a tiger. Even today it can be found in many tombs and monuments.
It is the third animal of the 12 that form the signs of the Chinese zodiac, and they think that those under the Tiger are brave, strong, tenacious and sympathetic people. According to traditional astrology, the first tiger in the world had its origin with the metamorphosis of the Alioth star of the Big Dipper Constellation. And on the birthday of the tiger according to the lunar calendar, southern China women worship the white tiger at the same time they are placed in front of the temples effigies with the figure of the cats so that the people venerate them. In fact, the white tiger is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations and represents the west and the fall season.
On the other hand, the Bengal Tiger is paramount in the traditions and culture of India. It associates with the deities Shiva and Durga, and members of the Warli tribe worship Warghia, the lord of the tigers while in the south the god Ayyappan is associated with the cat and the warrior goddess Durga is depicted riding a tigress in the battle.
Possibly, the first civilizations that included the tiger in its culture were Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa settled in the Indus valley 5,000 years ago. They had symbols of these cats engraved and used as amulets.
In Buddhism, the tiger symbolizes anger. The Tungus peoples, currently located in Siberia, regard the Siberian tiger as being close to a deity. This subspecies is the national animal of South Korea, while the Bengal tiger is from India and Bangladesh.
There are many examples of the use of the figure of this cat in the culture of Asian people, but they are so diverse that there is no space to describe them all.
TIGERS IN WESTERN CULTURE
In the culture of the West, Tigers appear in a lot of stories, films, cartoons, songs and even publicity. The most famous have been characters in movies and cartoons, such as Richard Parker of the film the Life of Pi, 2012. It is also well-known Shere Khan, the antagonist of the storybook collection of The Jungle book (1894) of Rudyard Kipling and the Disney film of the same name, based on the book of Kipling. Tigger, the friend of Winnie the Pooh in the cartoons and books of Alan Alexander Milne, is very famous and even the Disney studio produced a film only about him.
Less known by current generations is a poem by William Blake titled The Tyger and published in 1794 in his collection Songs of Innocence and Experience. Another book that mentions Tigers is Man-eaters of Kumaon, first printed in 1944. This work was the result of the adventures of Jim Corbett, a man who during the early years of the 20th century used to hunt “Man-eaters” in India, including Tigers. From his experiences, he became a conservationist, and a national park bears his name: Jim Corbett National Park.
Famous Tigers in popular culture are also: the Hungry Tiger from the Oz Books of L. Frank Baum, Rajah, the Princess Jazmine’s mascot in the Disney movie Aladdin (Aladdin, 1992), Kellogg’s cereal “Tony the Tiger” and many others.
A fictional tiger that has kept us all laughing for years is Hobbes, a stuffed tiger of a young boy named Calvin. The two have many adventures together. This storyline originated as a comic strip, but now you can find books in the Calvin and Hobbs series as well.
Undoubtedly, the tiger is one of the most famous animals in the world.
Even though some of the species of tigers are extinct, they continue to be a part of our popular culture.
TIGER SYMBOLISM
No one can deny the majestic beauty of the tiger or the power that it represents, the reason why it has always been present in many forms of culture.
As we saw, there are many stories in mythology and folklore that include this magnificent creature. There is also plenty of art from ancient times that depict the power of the tiger because in many cultures, was highly respected.
Various Coat of Arms, around the world, include the image of this cat because the tiger is a symbol of strength, loyalty, and survival which are characteristics they all wish to uphold.
Even though some of the species of tigers are extinct, they continue to be a part of our popular culture. For example, the Balinese Tiger that became extinct in 1937 is still highly connected to the religion of Hinduism. In Tibet, some ceremonies use the pelts of Tigers.
However, in 2006 they introduced laws that prohibit Tiger killing. People can use what they already have in their possession though. In the Buddhist religion, the tiger is also an influence as it is one of the Three Senseless Creatures.
Today the symbolism of this cat is still alive. Many sports teams in high school, college, and even some professional levels use the tiger as their mascot. It is often part of the logo for promoting products in business as well.
References
Sacred Animals of India. Nanditha Krishna. Penguin Books India, 2010.
The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Serindia Publications, Inc., 2003.
It is a condition that implies the constraint of Tigers and their controlled maintenance. Keepers should provide feeding, cleaning and medically treatment according to established regulations and occasionally, their reproduction may be induced or artificially made.
The confinement of animals is a very disputable and often controversial condition. A large number of conservationists advocate the end of animals behind bars and their use in shows detrimental to their health.
All of the above refers to captivity in legitimate parks and zoos. However, many people dare to have tigers in their homes, knowing that they are animals that require a lot of space to live and many other needs. Some time ago it was discovered that more captive tigers live in the United States than in the wild in their natural distribution range. What’s going on?
It is clear that Tigers are beautiful and imposing animals, which are a symbol of strength and power in many cultures. That is why some people wish to own an “exotic” pet like a tiger.
The South China tiger only exists in captivity, since for more than 25 years nobody has seen a specimen in the wild.
Having tigers in captivity is not a recent practice, of course not. In ancient Rome they were used to entertain society by fighting with other large animals, especially lions (even against humans), so the Romans had to lock them up to avoid their escape, to train them and expose them to the public. In the seventeenth century, they began to be part of the group of animals that the wealthy owners of castles maintained as a symbol of power.
The captivity in zoos is a little more recent, dating to the eighteenth century. These establishments justify their existence for the sake of conservation, education, research, and recreation. Although many people argument against parks and zoos, as a large number of tigers, are captive in them. In fact, the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) only exists in captivity, since for more than 25 years nobody has seen a specimen in the wild, reason why it is considered to be functionally extinct.
ADVANTAGES
– Thousands of Tigers currently captive dodge the dangers they face in the wild due to poaching or other threats. In the case of the South China tiger, captivity has been the only way to preserve the species.
– Some zoos manage programs to improve the quality of life of tigers and raise the number of individuals.
– Other zoos work in close collaboration with conservation organizations to help some species. For example, the Conservation Fund supports several preservation projects through educational programs for habitat protection, research, and conservation.
– According to a study co-written by Dr. Shu-Jin Luo, some captive tigers could play an essential role in the survival of those in the wild. Given that many of these tigers have “purebred ancestors,” a genetic assessment on specimens of unknown lineage would increase the number of pure-blooded individuals that could be useful for the conservation of wild populations.
Tiger in an artificial environment.
DISADVANTAGES
– It is common that captive tigers develop abnormal behaviors because of the limited space where they live and the continuous contact with humans. Enclosed and confined to a small area they cannot do what they usually do in the wild: run, swim, climb trees, hunt, and so on. Animals can be victims of stress, which can result in physical and psychological suffering.
– Tigers experience a deterioration in the performance of their natural instincts.
Tigers in captivity
Tiger in Zoo
– In captivity, breeding of white tigers by inbreeding can lead to losing genetic variability generating ill offspring.
– Their maintenance is expensive because of the facility that houses them, the food, medical care, and additional materials.
– Zoo or park personnel can provide physical or psychological mistreatment for a long time before anyone knows.
The truth is that Tigers have had to survive in captivity because of hunting, poaching, the loss of their habitat and other anthropogenic threats. The question is: keeping tigers in captivity is always bad?
It is evident that the ideal condition for any species is its natural habitat. Tigers are born free. Efforts to eradicate the dangers they face are necessary so that they can go back to where they belong.
There are about 10,000 tigers in captivity all over the world.
TIGERS AS PETS
Some conservationists estimate that there are about 10,000 tigers in captivity all over the world. Besides being extremely dangerous as they are wild animals, it doesn’t take long before they are full grown animals that need a lot of care and resources to survive.
In China, approximately 4,500 tigers of different species are living in captivity. Most of them are in breeding programs that helps to keep the genetics of these animals as safe as possible. The goal is to prevent those animals that are too closely related to each other from breeding.
Tigers breed well in captivity; therefore, efforts in this way have been made to help increase their population. Since less than half of the cubs survive in the wild, there are proper techniques in place to help ensure their survival in captivity. Some of the tiger cubs are removed from their mothers and cared by humans to ensure they get adequate nutrition and even medical care that may be necessary.
TIGERS IN REFUGEES
Some of them are rescued and kept in captivity while they heal when volunteers find them injured in the wild. Otherwise, they would die. In some cases, they are healthy and recovered after medical care so that they can return to their natural habitat, but some others need to stay because they are not able to return.
References
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tiger
Wild Cats of the World. Mel Sunquist, Fiona Sunquist. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
Tigers are going through a critical time. The global population has declined dramatically, and today there are less than four thousand specimens distributed in isolated parts of the Asian continent where centuries ago they populated extensive areas.
According to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species Panthera tigris is endangered (EN), but some of its subspecies have another status.
These cats are highly vulnerable to numerous threats in their natural habitat. From poaching to climate change and a set of factors in the middle, heading the list those that result from human activities.
The latest census indicates a population with less than 4,000 specimens in the wild. In 2009 IUCN estimated a total of 3,200 tigers, but some believe that the number has risen to almost 4,000 adults. In fact, WWF declared that 2016 was the first year that the population of tigers did not decrease in more than a century.
However, the numbers of some subspecies are still decreasing. Today, vast areas of Southeast Asia are devoid of these cats, and in some regions, the lack of tigers may be irreversible.
MAIN THREATS
POACHING (ILLEGAL HUNTING)
It is the principal threat to tigers in the wild. Many parts of their body, particularly bones, skin, and meat, are coveted on the market to prepare various products useful in traditional Asian medicine, which have no proven efficacy.
The impact of poaching is bigger than it seems. It is not only a dead specimen but sometimes mothers with offspring that still need maternal care. A killed mother leaves cubs vulnerable to predators and without food. In India alone, about 50 percent of tigers’ deaths in protected areas are due to poaching.
Although poaching has declined, and hunting, in general, is bad seen in the western world, in many areas it is still common. It is a problem that requires intense and organized efforts, and sometimes there are not enough resources.
LOSS OF HABITAT
It is caused by the transformation of forests into arable land, commercial logging, and human settlements, with all the infrastructure that the latter implies. The habitat is also fragmented, that is, divided for the same reasons.
The growth of human populations affects not only Tigers but many other animals as it involves new buildings in forest areas. Tigers require a sufficient amount of hoofed animals to survive, as they are their primary food. However, this fauna dies due to hunting or habitat loss which reduces the food sources of tigers.
In total, Tigers have lost about 93 percent of their original range, and deforestation continues at a rate of 47,000 square kilometers per year, which entails an enormous danger for many species.
CONFLICTS WITH HUMANS
These conflicts occur when human populations settle in areas where tigers dwell. Sometimes, these cats are hungry, weak or sick and attack domestic livestock, so people kill the felid that attacked their animals. In some regions, there have been cases of attacks on humans, and this increases the prejudice towards these cats.
In short, Tigers have had to compete for space and food with growing populations of humans and domestic animals.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Some tiger subspecies inhabit areas of mangroves between India and Bangladesh. These individuals have been adversely affected by growing sea levels, which is a consequence of climate change. If sea level continues to rise, it would wipe out this particular habitat and affect the tiger population there.
The global population of tigers is only around four thousand individuals, and all face a dark future. One subspecies only exists in captivity and is functionally extinct. The protection is urgent, and it needs the support of everyone.
THE FUTURE OF TIGERS
Humans continue to destroy the habitat that Tigers once called home for their needs. It isn’t always easy for Tigers to find a new home. Even if they can quickly adapt to a new environment, the fact that they are so territorial is a concern. Many Tigers end up killing each other for the right to a given area because they aren’t going to be able to live there together.
It is important to understand the vital role that the tiger plays in the ecosystem as they are one of the predators found at the top of the food chain. Without them, it can lead to overpopulation of some types of animals.
Right now it is estimated that the total population is only about 7,500-10,000 tigers in the wild and captivity. That is a very low population so aggressive efforts must continue to protect their environment, continue good genetic breeding, and to allow these animals to survive.
Endangered Species: A Documentary and Reference Guide: A Documentary and Reference Guide. Edward P. Weber. ABC-CLIO, 2016.
Tigers and humans have shared the Earth for thousands of years. The former, fierce and majestic cats, while the latter, curious and cunning.
For a long time, humans have been in contact with these animals and have been able to interact. The relationship between the two species has not a history of being close or friendly, but many people feel a deep admiration and devotion for Tigers.
Highly respected in Chinese tradition, today they are part of various aspects of their culture. Tigers have been a symbol of strength and some other values, primarily in Asia. In fact, in some buildings, paintings of tigers are at the entrance, to protect the place from the evil spirits. The fascination they stir has inspired numerous artistic representations in literature, painting, cinema, sculpture, and so on.
Although humans are often fearful of tigers, they have become their main predator and the most dangerous threat to the survival of these cats.
CONFLICTS WITH HUMAN BEINGS
It is no secret that Tigers have killed more people than any other type of cat out there. However, we are the ones to continually invade their natural habitat and then complain when tiger attacks do occur.
These cats have lived for a long time only on the Asian continent. Over time, the human population in that part of the world increased enormously, cities grown and resource requirements rose. Thus, Tigers have seen their habitats invaded, and their food sources diminished, as some of their prey are also food for humans.
This competition for space and food has adverse effects for tigers. For example, in the region of Sundarbans, India, there have been several attacks that have resulted in dead people. These confrontations are the consequence of several factors: the villages are near the natural reserves where tigers live, and they are increasingly approaching populated areas, as the mangrove area where they live is being devastated by the increase in Sea level and natural phenomena. At the same time, farmers enter the reserves in search of crabs, honey and other products to sell. According to some analysts, humans and tigers suffer the consequences of global warming, and the sea makes them both go inland and then the natural habitat of tigers is gradually disappearing.
These encounters, under such conditions, may be unfortunate. Many tigers have killed domestic cattle and the villagers, in consequence, they look for “justice” by hunting the cats. But the latter does not only occur in the Sundarbans region, but also in other geographical areas where human populations are near or within the habitat of tigers.
When we destroy their natural habitat, they are forced to live in areas that they never inhabited before to find food and survive. Many zones are destroyed to build homes in that place where many keep livestock for their consumption and tigers often come into these areas and feed on the domestic animals as their food sources are scarce. They also find it easier to get this prey that hunt in the wild.
Farmers in such a situation sometimes use poison to kill the tigers and protect their livestock. Even though such practices are illegal, it is still happening. It is very hard to prove what caused the death of many of these tigers.
Over the last century, the distribution ranges of these cats lost large areas, that is, only a few thousand tigers remain in relatively small areas, which is alarming if one takes into account the size of the Asian continent.
When we destroy their natural habitat, they are forced to live in areas that they never inhabited before.
But there is still time to rethink the role of humans about tigers. Homo sapiens has caused damage, but it also has the power to solve the situation and to carry out conservation tasks that return Panthera tigris where it belongs: freedom in its natural habitat.
Due to the small populations, genetic profiling and selective mating are paramount. With the human technology, we can help them to mate successfully.
Many people love these felids and feel a great fascination for what they represent. Tigers are creatures that follow the instincts of their species and are not responsible for their behavior. But even as predators, they are known to be positively related to humans.
Some people have specimens at home, and some documentaries show how they interact directly with Tigers, demonstrating their love with more than slaps on the back.
However, it is a dangerous practice because Tigers are unpredictable like any other wild animal. Even if their intention is not to do harm, they can do it because of its size and strength. Even more, is alarming to know that in the United States there are more captive tigers (many in backyards of ordinary citizens) than wild tigers in Asia, according to information from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The survival of these cats depends on humans. They balance the ecosystem, so we need tigers in nature. It is a matter of survival, respect, and why not, love.
References
Wild Cats of the World. Mel Sunquist, Fiona Sunquist. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
People and Wildlife, Conflict or Co-existence? Rosie Woodroffe, Simon Thirgood, Alan Rabinowitz
Tigers can weigh up to 670 pounds and can reach a length up to 12 feet!
The largest of all cats in the world is the Siberian Tiger.
The Sumatran Tiger is considered to be one of the smaller tigers, but it’s no less dangerous!
Tigers live in eastern Asia ranging from cold places to tropical swamps.
The claws of a tiger can be up to 4 inches long.
These big cats may live in grasslands, savannahs, rocky locations, and forests.
The tiger is a night hunter and feeds on deer, wild pigs and other mammals available where they live
Tigers can eat up to 90 pounds of food in a single meal!
Young tiger cubs born about 14 weeks after conception.
Four tiger subspecies are endangered and the other two are Critically endangered.
Tigers are native to Asia, and historically they had a distribution from the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea to Siberia in the north and Indonesia and even in Borneo and the Philippines in the south, populating most of Asia and the Indian subcontinent. However, their distribution range has reduced dramatically in just one century.
At present, its distribution only includes Southeast Asia, India, some Russian regions and western China. In short, it is an Asian animal, found only in 13 or 14 countries including China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Burma, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal and perhaps North Korea.
The last century saw the tigers disappear from two islands in Indonesia, Java, and Bali, so they now live on only one island in that country, Sumatra. The fossil evidence suggests that they also lived in Borneo and Palawan, Philippines. In the same way, they inhabited from the Caucasus region and the Caspian Sea to Siberia and from there to the south reaching the Indonesian islands.
Tiger in its natural habitat.
Specific distribution ranges
There are six subspecies of tiger that have survived extinction so far, although they have been at risk for several years. Each one has a particular distribution range.
The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is found mainly in Russian territory, in the east of Siberia and north China.
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) inhabits parts of India, but it is possible to find some populations in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
The Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) dwells in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and southwest China.
The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) lives only in the Malay peninsula.
The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is native to southern China, but it is extinct in the wild and now survives only in captivity.
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) only inhabits the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.
The distribution of tigers has gone through a series of environmental problems. / Image Courtesy Wikipedia.
Tiger Distribution. Image Courtesy Wikipedia
HABITAT
Tigers can adapt to different types of environments which range from the Siberian taiga to open grasslands and tropical mangrove swamps in Indochina. Regardless the kind of habitat, Tigers will look for three things in abundance when looking for habitat: Cover, Water, and Prey.
Among the wide variety of habitats where they dwell are tropical forests, savannas, grasslands, evergreen forests, conifer forests, mangrove areas, taigas and rocky terrains.
For example, Siberian tigers thrive in the cold Russian forests, often covered with snow, so they have a slightly thicker fur than the other subspecies. On the other hand, some tigers living in Southeast Asia tend to have smaller dimensions, like the Sumatran tiger, which is considered the smallest subspecies of all.
However, while tiger habitats may vary between each subspecies, they must have some essential elements as:
Close to a water source
Tigers need it to hydrate, and from time to time they stalk prey that approach to drink water while keeping their body submerged. Tigers are good swimmers because of their partially taped toes; sometimes they drag their victims into the water.
Abundance of prey
As evident, Tigers need access to prey to survive. A large percentage of their diet are ungulates.
Dense vegetation.
This requisite is paramount because tigers lurk their prey hidden in the tall grass until they decide to attack. Their stripes are designed to allow them to camouflage with the vegetation.
Tiger Territory
Tigers are extremely territorial, so they will fight other animals and even other tigers that invade their space. This problem has become more of an issue due to the reduction of their natural environment. A male may have a territory of up to 60 to 100 square kilometers, while females up to 20 square kilometers, but these numbers vary according to the habitat and the subspecies. As a result of territory reduction, their areas overlap having to venture into new zones to find food.
Some regions have a low density of tigers, such as Russia. In these cases, Tigers have vast areas for wandering, which does not occur in high-density regions such as Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, where roaming areas are small and not as extensive as the average mentioned above.
Tigers are solitary and tend to live alone. They will only be seen with other tigers when looking for a mate or in the case of females when they are taking care of their offspring. It is natural for the females to have territories that overlap those of males, which is acceptable as long as no other male tries to invade the same area.
Young Siberian tiger in the taiga.
They usually settle in isolated locations and build dens inside caves, large trees or between thick and tall vegetation. They prefer to hunt during the night or at dusk/dawn, so during the day, it is common to see them resting in the shade or their den or even refreshing their body in the water.
Tigers mark their territories with urine and secretions from an anal gland. They spray those excretions to trees, which give off strong odors that other animals and other peers can detect, so they know that are invading the space of another specimen.
There is evidence to indicate that tigers have a type of traveling pattern within their home range so that they can successfully keep up with the food sources available. Since most of their prey is in herds that move, Tigers must act in consequence. However, they always come back to their home range.
There are many tigers in captivity, sometimes kept as pets. They adapt well to being in captivity which is why you will find so many of them thriving in zoos all over the world. The circus is another entity where you will commonly find tigers also in captivity.
Riding the Tiger: Tiger Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes. John Seidensticker, Peter Jackson, Sarah Christie. Cambridge University Press, 1999.
Wild Cats of the World. Mel Sunquist, Fiona Sunquist. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
Tiger Tales: Tracking the Big Cat Across Asia. Ke. Ullāsa Kāranta. Penguin Books India, 2006.
Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent. Valmik Thapar. University of California Press, 1997.
TIGER SUBSPECIES OVERVIEW
With an incredible strength, loud roar, imposing appearance and unparallel beauty, Tigers are the largest cats in the world, easily recognized by their distinctive coat with the characteristic pattern of dark stripes.
Tigers have evolved over 2 million years, so their presence on the planet has been long. However, they now face severe threats that could take them to extinction which can get worse if conservation efforts do not give the results expected, to allow them to live in a natural environment free of dangers, at least to some extent.
There are around 4,000 tigers in the wild today and almost 10,000 including those in captivity. Yes, there are more tigers in captivity than in their natural habitat, and this fact should be worrisome.
You may think that all tigers are the same, but even if it seems impossible to differentiate them, some have characteristics that are different from those of other individuals.
A taxonomic unit of a species is called a subspecies. In this sense, the species Panthera tigris has several recognized subspecies that present basic standard features, but at the same time, they have differences regarding distribution, genetics, size, etcetera. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were nine subspecies of tiger in a vast area of the Asian continent, but today there are only six subspecies in isolated areas, and some of those six are extinct in the wild or close to extinction.
SUBSPECIES POPULATION BY COUNTRY. Latest census (2016)
Bengal
Bangaldesh 106
Bhutan 103
Nepal 198
India 2,226
Sumatran
Indonesia 371
Malayan
Malaysia 250
Siberian
Russia 433
Indochinese
Thailand 189
Vietnam <5
Laos 2
China >7
BENGAL TIGER (Panthera tigris tigris)
It is perhaps the best-known subspecies of all and some people know it as the “Indian tiger” because it is the area where it lives. In fact, most Bengal tigers live in India, but there are some populations in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
This subspecies has the characteristic orange coat with black stripes, although some individuals born with a white coat and blue eyes due to a genetic mutation; These are not considered a separate subspecies but only a genetic variety.
While they have two or three times more population than other subspecies, they are still at a very high risk of becoming extinct, so their current status classification is as endangered as the others.
SIBERIAN TIGER (Panthera tigris altaica)
Mainly found in regions of Russia has larger dimensions than that of the Bengal tiger but this has happened only for those specimens in captivity as the latter subspecies is bigger in the wild. Since it lives in a cold environment, its skin is thick and its coat very dense.
SUMATRAN TIGER (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
This subspecies only inhabits the island of Sumatra and can be found in forests with little human activity. It is one of the smaller subspecies, but the coloration of its coat is considerably darker than the extinct Javan Tiger.
There are less than 400 of them left in the wild, and there are aggressive efforts to protect them and to get their population numbers back up. The fact that they inhabit Sumatra also means that they continue to be victims of poachers and hunters because the laws can’t always be enforced there as strictly as they should be.
MALAYAN TIGER (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
Distributed in areas of the Malay Peninsula, it was recognized as a subspecies only in 2004 and is in danger of extinction. It inhabits tropical forests.
This subspecies is also at risk with only about 250-500 of them remaining in the wild. This tiger often conflicts with humans because they prey on livestock when it is readily available.
INDOCHINESE TIGER (Panthera tigris corbetti)
This cat from Southeast Asia owes its scientific name to a famous hunter who later became a devoted conservationist. Solitary and relatively small, it tends to evade populated areas, so the information about this subspecies is not as thorough as that of others.
There are only a few hundreds of them in the wild. Their main diet consists of wild pigs, deer, and even cattle thanks to the many people that have invaded their natural habitat to make settlements. In the 1930’s there were more than 2,000 of them, but open hunting for them, as well as the destruction of their habitat, has changed all.
SOUTH CHINA TIGER (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
This subspecies faces a grim future since it is “functionally extinct” as for more than a quarter of a century nobody has seen a specimen in the wild. At present, there are only a few individuals in captivity.
EXTINCT TIGERS
Three subspecies became extinct during the 20th century due to excessive hunting and lack of conservation programs.
BALI TIGER (Panthera tigris balica)
It was a tiger that inhabited the island of Bali, Indonesia, probably extinct during the 1940s.
JAVAN TIGER (Panthera tigris sondaica)
This subspecies lived on the isle of Java until poaching and other factors condemned them to extinction in the mid-1970s.
CASPIAN TIGER (Panthera tigris virgata)
It used to wander all over Central Asia all the way to China, but it became extinct a few decades ago. It was a subspecies strongly associated with water bodies in its range of distribution.
A prehistoric subspecies, the Trinil tiger (Panthera tigris trinilensis), inhabited the island of Java but has been extinct for at least 50,000 years.
HYBRID TIGERS
In some cases, Tigers have mated with other species of cats, resulting in hybrid species. Such is the case of the Ligres (male lion + female tiger) and Tigones (female lion + male tiger). While they are common in captivity, there is little chance that this interbreed happen in the wild because their distribution ranges do not overlap.
The tiger is one of the most emblematic animals of the group of cats.
Saying that tigers are solitary animals can make it appear that they do not have a social structure or that this is simplistic. Nothing further from reality: Tigers establish systematic relationships that make up a social organization, of course, typical of this animal species.
HOW TIGERS RELATE
Generally speaking, Tigers roam alone when they reach adulthood because they obviously need maternal care while they are cubs. Nevertheless, they are very territorial and maintain ranges of territory characterized by the dense vegetation, availability of water and enough prey. Its territory constitutes an exclusive area of distribution that contains one or several dens in which they rest or in which the females give birth and take care of their young.
It is true that males do not lead a group or streak, but in such case, they would be dominant. Tigers have territory ranges greater than those of tigresses, that is, those of males are up to 3 times larger than those of females but may overlap. Typically, the territory of a male overlaps with that of 1-3 tigresses. In this way, they have the “exclusive” right to mate with the females in their territory, and if another male enters their land, there will be intimidation first or even a physical fight to stop the intruder, usually involving the use of nails and teeth.
The size of the territories is related to the region where they are, the season and the number of dams available in them. If an area has a high density of prey the territories tend to be small since the probability of finding food is high within a few kilometers. On the contrary, those in areas with low density of prey are larger. The latter is the case of the Tigers living in Siberia, a Russian region where they usually have ranges around 800 to 1,200 square kilometers.
Tigers fighting to establish dominance.When a tiger dies, others try to settle in the empty area, but this means that the Cubs in the territory are in grave danger of being killed by the colonizing male to mate with the available females in the area. When a young tiger seeks a place to settle, he can do it in the territory of another male and become a resident until he obtains his own, usually challenging the dominant male in the area. Sometimes they are lucky enough to find an empty place. The territories of the females do not typically overlap. However, they tend to settle in areas close to their mother’s domains.
To secure their domains, Tigers leave scent marks on trees and rocks.
How do males know that one territory belongs to another?
To secure their domains, Tigers leave scent marks on trees and rocks with a mixture of urine and musk or feces; Sometimes they just scratch the trees. Both sexes do this, but females increase the frequency of spraying before entering heat, to warn males that they are available.
In spite of the above, there are some documented cases of more complex social interactions. For example, several individuals sometimes collaborate when hunting or an adult of either sex shares its prey with one or more peers, in a somewhat friendly way. In such a situation, the male tiger allows females and cubs to feed first. A gentleman indeed!
To keep control of their territory, the Tigers patrol the vicinity to avoid the entrance of intruders. If they are not inspecting, they usually rest in the shade. They are active during the night, for this reason, they do not habitually interact with diurnal species. However, activity patterns may vary according to season and prey availability.
TIGER SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Understanding the social structure of tigers can be complex, and there are still plenty of questions about it regardless the many research done. The males dominate, and they are larger than females. However, the latter are incredibly fierce if protecting their offspring so they even scare males, which could overpower them, to leave their cubs alone.
Since Tigers are loners, mainly living an isolated existence, it is hard to view their social structure on a regular basis which can change during the various periods of their life. The females tend to be more tolerant of each other, and they live in smaller territorial ranges than the males.
Some research indicates that Tigers can recognize each other.
Having females within males’ territory makes it more convenient for mating because they come into contact with each other. Besides mating, Tigers are likely to take separate ways.
Some research indicates that Tigers can recognize each other. They may be willing to share prey they have killed with other males that are related, females that have had their cubs, and even those that have been in the area before and they recognize their scent. This behavior contrasts with most types of cats, especially lions, that the males eat first then what is left can be shared by those remaining as they go down the social hierarchy.
Tigers can be social with each other though depending on what is going on. Some of the vocal sounds they make indicate that they aren’t giving a warm welcome. They may hiss, meow or growl to get others to get out of their territory. Other types they will purr and make growling sounds to indicate interest and to draw others to them, especially for mating purposes.
The most intense relationship in Tigers is that of a mother with her offspring. She may have from 1 to 6 of them depending on the type of tiger. There is a dominant cub in the litter which is typically a male that sets the pace for playing, sleeping, and engaging in various other types of activities.
Scientists are continually conducting research to broaden the understanding of tigers. This investigation generates valid and objective information to some degree, which can lead to practical applications.
We owe much to research because we know what tigers eat, how they behave, how they breed, what is their conservation status in the world, and many other aspects of their lives. Over the course of several decades, a significant amount of data has been gathered, making the tiger one of the most studied cats.
It is well-known that the current situation of Tigers is not very promising for their survival, and that they are in danger of extinction. Some subspecies are more threatened than others, but in the end, endangered. In this regard, many scientists have focused on research that could contribute to its conservation.
Some subspecies are more threatened than others, but in the end, endangered.
But besides the research centered on the preservation of tigers, others have focused on their genetics, their anatomy, behavior, threats, and other areas. However, recently some studies integrate one or more fields of study.
An example: in 2013, a group of experts from Cardiff University reported that tigers residing in India are experiencing a lack of genetic diversity due to habitat loss and fragmentation, which has reduced the size of populations and their chances of long-term survival. According to Professor Mike Brufford, one of the authors of the research, the Tigers need genetic diversity to survive, and given the loss, proper management is necessary for the Indian population to avoid inbreeding and preserve their adaptability. In this sense, genetic research implies a future pro-conservation approach.
In the example, a group of experts from an educational institution made this study, but other groups and organizations are also in charge of studies: small conservation groups, large non-governmental organizations, parks or zoos, and governments. In many cases, several groups come together to facilitate the course of research and increase its usefulness in the practical world.
An important conservation program is the Tiger Project, which since its implementation in 1973 has been fueled by wildlife studies and changes in reserve vegetation to make the protection and preservation of the Indian tiger population.
A similar project is the Indonesian Sumatran Tiger Conservation Strategy, which started the Sumatran Tiger Project in 1995, which was, among other things, implemented to accumulate data on the characteristics of this subspecies for the management of the conservation of the wild populations.
To do the job, scientists use a variety of strategies and technologies. As each tiger possesses a unique pattern of stripes, it is possible to identify them. Also are important the genetic analyses performed in laboratories or based on feces.
However, the research work encounters many difficulties. Some researchers have to work in the challenging conditions of the tigers’ habitats, they risk their lives, and they have to confront people who are hindering their scientific activities. Even some have spoken out about the lack of compromise of some governments with the problem and the conservation efforts.
Research is the pillar on which animal protection is currently based.
Nevertheless, some scientists from different countries where tigers live are sharing their data and work together to save them. According to Professor Marcela Kelly of the Polytechnic Institute and State University of Virginia (Virginia Tech), scientific cooperation since the Tiger Summit in 2010 is an encouraging sign and at the same time an indication of the terrible situation of these cats.
Research is the pillar on which animal protection is currently based, and highly threatened tigers are the subject of continuous monitoring and surveys to determine the size of their populations in the world. Without research, the human being could not have a picture of his situation.
There has been plenty of research about tiger evolution, natural habitat, feeding, mating, and even behavior in captivity. Through research, we know how these cats use their senses, as their ability to hear much better than humans and even better than domestic cats or their incredible vision both during the day and at night.
During the night their vision is six times better than a human’s giving them the advantage of being able to sneak up on their prey. Many animals that they consume aren’t able to see well at night, so they won’t notice the tiger as quickly as they may during the day.
Their whiskers also are extremely sensitive, and they help them to feel sensations of touch. They use them to help with the courting process, and even to help them find prey.
