World of Tigers (Roaring Cats)

This WORLD is represented by the magnificent Bengal Tiger, the only one of the six existing tiger subspecies that occurs in different color variations in the wild.

Common Name:        Bengal Tiger

Genus/Species:         Panthera tigris

Range:

The Bengal Tiger is found in parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Burma.

Natural Habitat:

The habitat is varied:  grasslands, subtropical and tropical rainforests, scrub forests, wet and dry deciduous forests and mangroves.

Physical Appearance:

Physical appearance may slightly vary depending on geographic area. The Bengal Tiger is the second largest of all living tiger subspecies.  The male tigers can weigh from 450-550 lbs and the females can get up to 310 lbs.  they have orange coats, a fair (whitish) medial and ventral area and stripes that can vary in color from brown to black.  The form and density of stripes differs between subspecies, but most tigers have in excess of 100 stripes.  Each striping pattern is unique to each animal, acting the same way as fingerprints do for humans.

Reproduction:

Male and female tigers breed often and noisily.  The female is only receptive for a couple of days so frequent mating is preferred (every 15-20 minutes for 5-6 days).  A female estrus lasts 5-7 days and occurs approximately every 30 days.  Gestation period is approximately 103 days and litters of 2 to 4 are common.  Cubs are approximately 2 lbs when they are born.  The cubs become independent around 18 months of age and leave their mother between 2 to 2-1/2 years of age.  Female tigers become sexually mature at around 3 years of age whereas male are not sexually mature until they are 4-5 years of age.

STATUS in Natural Habitat:

Critically Endangered.  Almost certain to become extinct within 10 years due to over poaching and habitat destruction if conservation methods are not successful.

Cool Fact:

Tigers are excellent and strong swimmers. They enjoy lying in rivers, lakes and ponds and have been known to hunt and kill in the water.

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