Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat species and is native to Asia. It features a muscular build, a large head, powerful paws, and a distinctive coat of orange fur with black stripes. Traditionally, tigers are classified into nine subspecies, although some classifications recognize only two: mainland tigers and island tigers from the Sunda Islands.

Tigers primarily inhabit various forest types, ranging from coniferous and temperate broadleaf forests in the Russian Far East to tropical forests in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. As apex predators, tigers primarily hunt ungulates, employing ambush tactics. They are generally solitary animals, with male tigers having overlapping territories with multiple females. After a gestation period, females usually give birth to two or three cubs, which remain with their mother for about two years before becoming independent.

Since the early 20th century, tiger populations have drastically declined, losing at least 93% of their historic range and becoming extinct in parts of West and Central Asia, large areas of China, and the islands of Java and Bali. Currently, tigers are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with their range reduced by 53% to 68% since the late 1990s. Major threats include habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, particularly in regions where natural prey is scarce.

Conservation efforts are in place across all range countries, including legal protections, anti-poaching patrols, and initiatives for monitoring populations. Some countries are also establishing wildlife corridors and planning for tiger reintroduction to help bolster their numbers and restore habitats.