Tigers

Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are instantly recognizable thanks to their striking orange and black stripes.

Tigers are magnificent creatures and the largest cats in the world. They belong to the Panthera genus and are known scientifically as Panthera tigris. Historically, tigers roamed across a vast territory in Asia.

However, due to habitat loss and poaching, their range has significantly diminished. Today, they are found in scattered populations mainly in India, Southeast Asia, Russia, and China. It is not necessarily true that all Tigers are nocturnal but yes, they do prefer engaging in most of their hunting activities at night. The reason behind this is that Tigers prefer avoiding human conflict during daylight and also patrol around their territory at night. The life expectancy of Tigers is between 20-25 years whether they are kept in captivity or in the wild.

  • Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Their historical range covered the Indus River valley until the early 19th century, almost all of India, Pakistan, southern Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and southwestern China. Today, it inhabits India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and southwestern China.
  • Caspian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Their population is native to northern Iran, eastern Turkey, Mesopotamia, the Caucasus around the Caspian Sea, Central Asia to northern Afghanistan and the Xinjiang region in western China. Until the Middle Ages, it was also present in southern Russia. It inhabited sparse forests and riverine corridors in this region until the 1970s. This population was regarded as a distinct subspecies and assessed as extinct in 2003.
  • Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) The cat is native to Southeast Asia. This population occurs in Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. In 2011, the population was thought to comprise 342 individuals, including 85 in Myanmar and 20 in Vietnam, with the largest population unit surviving in Thailand, estimated at 189 to 252 individuals during the period 2009 to 2014.
  • Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) They are native to the Russian Far East, Northeast China and possibly North Korea. It once ranged throughout the Korean Peninsula, but currently inhabits mainly the Sikhote-Alin mountain region in southwest Primorye Province in the Russian Far East. In 2005, there were 331–393 adult and subadult Siberian tigers in this region, with a breeding adult population of about 250 individuals. The population had been stable for more than a decade because of intensive conservation efforts, but partial surveys conducted after 2005 indicate that the Russian tiger population was declining. An initial census held in 2015 indicated that the Siberian tiger population had increased to 480–540 individuals in the Russian Far East, including 100 cubs. This was followed up by a more detailed census which revealed there was a total population of 562 wild Siberian tigers in Russia. As of 2014, about 35 individuals were estimated to range in the international border area between Russia and China.
  • Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) They live on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands, where the Bali and Javan tigers are extinct. Sequences from complete mitochondrial genes of 34 tigers support the hypothesis that Sumatran tigers are diagnostically distinct from mainland subspecies.
  • Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) They are native to Peninsular Malaysia. This population inhabits the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula and has been classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2015. As of April 2014, the population was estimated at 80 to 120 mature individuals with a continuous declining trend. In the Malay language, the tiger is called harimau, also abbreviated to rimau. It is also known as the southern Indochinese tiger, to distinguish it from tiger populations in northern parts of Indochina, which are genetically different to this population.
  • South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) This cat is native to southern China. The population mainly inhabited the Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi provinces. It has been listed as Critically Endangered on the China’s Red List of Vertebrates and is possibly extinct in the wild since no wild individual has been recorded since the late 1980s. In the late 1990s, continued survival was considered unlikely because of low prey density, widespread habitat degradation and fragmentation, and other human pressures. In the fur trade, it used to be called the Amoy tiger.

However, most die before the age of 20, like for instance, the death of a nineteen-year-old Machli in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India. The oldest living Tiger so far was 25-year-old Flavel, a circus-rescued, sheltered in a zoo in Tampa, Florida. The Tigers are forced into unnatural situations where they are to share or stay-put under certain areas in a man-made environment, that’s when they are called as ambush or streak, even a Tigress with their cubs is called an ambush. Tigers are the largest cats, with males ranging from 8 to 10.75 feet in length and weighing between 400 to 700 pounds.

Most of you may not know this but, most of the cat species have stripes on their fur as well as on their skin. It is actually true that similar to human fingerprints, the unique pattern of stripes on Tigers acts like their identity. Even if you shave off the fur of Tigers or house cats, you would still see the stripes.

Females are slightly smaller. They have a reddish-orange coat with black stripes, which is unique to each individual. Their underbellies, as well as the areas around their eyes and mouth, are white. Some subspecies, like the Siberian tiger, have thicker fur to withstand colder climates.

The smell that emits from Tigers urine smells like buttered popcorn, don’t get tempted because it also signifies a warning sign to the intruders in their territory.

Tigers can also mate with other big cats, for example, if a male Tiger mates with female Lion, the hybrid born animal is known as Tigon. They are the largest cat species and can grow bigger than Liger which is a mix breed of male Lion and female Tiger. The height of a Liger is about 4.5 feet while on all four legs and about 6 feet tall when standing. Tigers are generally solitary creatures, except during mating and when females raise cubs. Males have larger territories, which they mark using scent markings and vocalizations to deter other males.

Tigers occupy a range of diverse habitats, including:
  • Tropical rainforests
  • Evergreen forests
  • Dry grasslands
  • Mangrove swamps
  • Savannas
  • Rocky areas
  •  Taiga[1]

They have antiseptic saliva and tend to lick the affected area in order to prevent any infection. The salivary tissue factor, associated with microvesicles shed from cells in the mouth, promotes wound healing through the extrinsic blood coagulation cascade.

In 1758, Carl Linnaeus described the tiger in his work Systema Naturae and gave it the scientific name Felis tigris. In 1929, the British taxonomist Reginald Innes Pocock subordinated the species under the genus Panthera using the scientific name Panthera tigris.

The enzymes lysozyme and peroxidase, defensins, cystatins, and an antibody, IgA[2], are all antibacterial. Tigers are apex predators and primarily feed on large ungulates, such as deer, bear, crocodile, dholes[3], rhino, leopards, antelopes,  striped hyenas, wolves, pythons, water buffalo and wild boar. Depending on their habitat, they may also hunt smaller prey like monkeys, birds, and fish.

Crocodiles, bears, and large packs of dholes may win conflicts with tigers, and crocodiles and bears can even kill them.

Tigers are one of the most humble species unlike Lions (no offence). Often it is seen in the wildlife that the male Tigers allow the female and cubs to eat first.

Female tigers reach sexual maturity around the age of 3 to 4 years, while males mature later. Mating can occur throughout the year. The gestation period is approximately 3 to 4 months. A female tiger gives birth to a litter of 2 to 4 cubs, 2.6–4.6 lb in weight, who are blind and helpless at birth. Their eyes will open in about one week. The mother raises the cubs alone, providing them with nourishment and protection until they are independent enough to hunt on their own, typically around 18 months to 2 years.

Tigers imitate the call of other animals. Hunting by mimicry is an added advantage to animals; it has been said that Tigers make a ‘pook’ sound similar to that of sambar deer[4] that draws these innocent animals into the trap and get ambushed.

Tigers are classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to deforestation and human encroachment, tiger habitats have been greatly reduced. Tigers are hunted for their skins, bones, and other body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and illegal wildlife trade.

Tigers are often looked as being one of the most beautiful yet ferocious animals and perhaps this is a sole driving factor that makes them even more interesting creatures. But sadly, they have come to a verge of being categorized as endangered, thanks to the human sloppiness and prudence.

The slow but steady rise in the big cat’s estimated population comes as biologists get better at tracking the animal and marks a high point amid a deepening extinction crisis that may see as many as a million plants and animal species disappear worldwide because of habitat loss and climate change. Tiger researchers, while optimistic, warn that the fierce hunter remains under threat from both poaching and encroachment into its remaining habitat. And nations are struggling to reach their collective goal of doubling the population of wild tigers worldwide between 2010 and 2022, the last two years assigned to the tiger in the Chinese zodiac. One big reason behind the recent jump in tiger estimates: Scientists have simply gotten better at counting the cats, placing motion-sensing cameras in more spots to identify their territory. Biologists warn that prior estimates of tiger populations are less reliable.

We haven’t succeeded in that process, but we do feel that there are more tigers today than there were 12 years ago — that progress is being made.

Dale Miquelle, tiger program coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society on the effort to double the population
Footnotes
  1. The taiga, also known as boreal forest or snow forest, is a biome characterized by extensive forests of coniferous trees, cold climates, and a subarctic or subalpine environment. It is the largest terrestrial biome on Earth, spanning across the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. The taiga is dominated by tree species like spruce, fir, pine, and larch, which are adapted to survive long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. The soil in the taiga is typically acidic and nutrient-poor. This biome is home to various wildlife, including mammals like bears, wolves, moose, and reindeer, as well as a diverse array of birds, insects, and plants. The taiga plays a vital role in global carbon storage and helps regulate the Earth’s climate. [Back]
  2. Here’s information about the enzymes lysozyme and peroxidase, as well as the proteins defensins, cystatins, and an antibody called IgA
    • Lysozyme: Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of various organisms. It is found in various secretions, such as tears, saliva, and mucus, as well as in certain immune cells. Lysozyme functions to protect the body against bacterial infections by breaking down the bacterial cell walls. It hydrolyzes the bonds in peptidoglycan, a major component of bacterial cell walls, causing bacterial lysis and cell death.
    • Peroxidase: Peroxidase is a type of enzyme that facilitates redox reactions, particularly those involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is involved in various biological processes, including immune defense. One important peroxidase is myeloperoxidase, which is primarily found in immune cells called neutrophils. Myeloperoxidase produces hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill invading pathogens.
    • Defensins: Defensins are a group of small cationic proteins with antimicrobial properties. They are found in different organisms, including plants, insects, and mammals, including humans. Defensins can directly kill microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, by disrupting their cell membranes. They also modulate the immune response by attracting immune cells and promoting inflammation at the site of infection.
    • Cystatins: Cystatins are a family of proteins that act as inhibitors of cysteine proteases, enzymes involved in protein degradation. They are present in various tissues and body fluids, including saliva, tears, and mucosal secretions. Cystatins play a role in regulating protease activity, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and protecting against excessive proteolysis. By inhibiting cysteine proteases, cystatins help prevent damage to tissues and contribute to immune defense.
    • Immunoglobulin A (IgA): Immunoglobulin A, commonly known as IgA, is an antibody that plays a critical role in the immune defense of mucosal surfaces. It is the most abundant antibody isotype found in mucosal secretions like saliva, tears, respiratory and digestive fluids, and breast milk. IgA acts as a first line of defense by neutralizing pathogens and toxins at mucosal surfaces, preventing their entry and colonization. It also provides passive immunity to newborns through breast milk. [Back]
  3. The dhole, scientifically known as Cuon alpinus, is an endangered species of canid found in Asia. These medium-sized predators have a unique appearance, resembling a mix between a dog and a fox. They have reddish-brown to yellowish-brown fur, a lean body, rounded ears, and a bushy tail. Dholes are highly social animals, living in packs and exhibiting cooperative hunting behavior. They primarily prey on ungulates and have a diurnal lifestyle. Unfortunately, dhole populations have significantly declined due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their remaining habitats and ensure the survival of this remarkable species. [Back]
  4. The sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer species found in South and Southeast Asia. It has a robust build, with males standing up to 5 feet at the shoulder and weighing between 440 to 1,100 pounds. They have a dark brown or grayish-brown coat and impressive antlers. Sambar deer inhabit diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains. They are primarily solitary and active during dawn and dusk. Their diet consists of grasses, leaves, fruits, shoots, and bark. While classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, local populations can face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Sambar deer are known for their adaptability and swimming abilities, often seeking refuge in water bodies. [Back]
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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