Tigers belong to the genus Panthera and their habitat is exclusive to the Asian continent. Of the six subspecies of tiger ( Panthera tigris ) that exist, without a doubt the famous Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris ) is the most numerous, since they represent approximately 80% of the total population of tigers on the planet.
Tiger jump
It is one of the highest jumping cats. Their jumps can reach 5 meters in height. His muscular legs (not for nothing they are famous for their strength and power) are so powerful that they can remain standing even after death. As a curiosity, the largest feline in the world is a tiger: the Amur or Siberian tiger ( Panthera tigris altaica ).
The hunt
Tigers are solitary and very territorial animals. Its sturdy and agile body – which can measure more than 3 and a half meters including the tail and weigh up to 360 kilograms – allows it to hunt alone, being its favorite prey those that belong to the group of ungulates (zebras, deer or rhinos). ). If necessary, they can also feed on monkeys, wild boars or fish. It kills its prey by digging its fangs into their throats and they can eat up to 25 kg. of meat in one go. Of course, if you go more than 2 or 3 weeks without eating, you will starve.
Tigers and water
Do tigers like water? The truth is that they perform extremely well in the water and they like their contact. They are good swimmers and are usually found near rivers or other bodies of water where they frequently enjoy their bath. On many occasions they swim across estuaries more than 5 kilometers wide without flinching.
The babies
Tigers usually have a litter every 2 years or so. Their gestation is about 103 days and they usually have about two or three cubs. The young, whose care falls exclusively on the female, are born blind and helpless, so the mother will not be separated from them in the following days. After reaching sexual maturity (at 3 years old), the tigress once again expands its territory of action and the youngsters begin to accompany the mother on her hunting excursions. Males grow faster and also become independent faster.
Endangered specie
Unfortunately, the tiger is on the endangered species list. This enigmatic feline is primarily threatened by poaching and environmental changes. Most of them live in captivity, having a life expectancy of between 20 and 26 years there. It is the national animal of Bangladesh and India but this extreme has not prevented it from being in serious threat and that it may end up becoming extinct in a few years. Their bones, whiskers and fangs are often sold on the black market for large sums of money.
