Tigers Exploration
Finnegan Flynn
| 26-01-2024
· Animal Team
Tigers are beloved by many, yet a deeper understanding of these majestic creatures often eludes us. Let's delve into the world of tigers to unravel fascinating details.
The tiger, originating in East Asia over 2 million years ago, swiftly expanded across Asian forested regions. However, its habitat is constrained by natural barriers like rivers, oceans, and mountain ranges. Presently, tigers predominantly inhabit East Asia.
Bengal Tiger:
Among the existing tiger species, the Bengal tiger reigns supreme, boasting a population exceeding 3,000. Consequently, it is the subject of extensive international research.
Data from various sources indicate that adult male Bengal tigers weigh between 175-263 kg, with a head and tail length ranging from 260-330 cm. Females, on the other hand, weigh 95-170 kg and have a head and tail length of 239-268 cm.
Sumatran Tiger:
The Sumatran tiger resides solely on the island of Sumatra.
These tigers, whether Sumatran, Balinese tigers (now extinct), or Javanese tigers (also extinct), tend to be smaller than their mainland counterparts.
Adult male Sumatran tigers weigh 100-140 kg, with a head and tail length of 220-255 cm, while females weigh 75-110 kg, boasting a head and tail length of 215-230 cm.
Notably, the Sumatran tiger is the smallest surviving tiger globally.
Malayan Tiger:
Providing insights into the Malayan tiger, the World Wide Fund for Nature reports that males weigh approximately 120 kg, with a head and tail length of 235 cm. Females, on average, weigh 100 kg, with a head and tail length of 200 cm.
Measurements from 21 male and 16 female tigers in Terengganu state yielded a range of 47.2-129.1 kg for males and 24-88 kg for females.
While the former data is more reliable, the latter is influenced by individual measurement factors and cannot be considered representative of the species as a whole. The Malayan tiger, inhabiting the Malay Peninsula, falls in size between island and inland tigers.
Indochinese Tiger:
Contrary to its name, the Indochinese tiger is primarily found in Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Remarkably, Thailand plays a pivotal role in its distribution.
These medium-sized tigers weigh between 150-195 kg for males and 100-130 kg for females, with head and tail lengths ranging from 255-285 cm and 230-255 cm, respectively. Notably, the Indochinese tiger distinguishes itself with a darker fur color and shorter, narrower stripes.
Exploring the diverse world of tigers unveils not only their physical variations but also the unique habitats they inhabit across the Asian landscape.