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Siberian Tiger
| Siberian tigers are the largest cats in the world. Most of them live in eastern Russia's birch forests, but some exist in North Korea and China. Approximately 400 to 500 Siberian tigers live in the wild, and recent studies suggest that these numbers are stable. However their northern climate is a lot harsher than those of other tigers, these animals have some advantages. Northern forests have the lowest human density of any tiger habitat, and the most complete ecosystem. The vast woodlands also allow tigers far more space to roam, as Russia currently has a less extensive timber industry than many other countries.
Tigers are the largest wild cats living in the world and are famous for their power and strength. Till the 20th century eight tiger subspecies existed, but three became extinct. In the last century, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands to about 5,000 to 7,000. Tigers are hunted as trophies and also some of their body parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, thus many protection programs are in place. |
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Tigers live alone and keep their rivals away from their territories by scent-marking. They are aggressive hunters and travel many miles to find prey, such as elk and wild boar. Tigers camouflage themselves by the use of their distinctive coats. There are no two tigers with exactly the same stripes. They lie in wait and creep close enough then suddenly spring onto their victims. A hungry tiger can eat even 60 pounds (27.2 kilograms) in one night, though they usually eat less.
In spite of their dreadful reputation, most tigers keep off humans; however, a few do become dangerous to men. These animals are often injured and unable to hunt properly, or live in areas where their traditional prey has vanished.
Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise mainly alone. Cubs can already hunt when they become 18 months old, but they still stay with their mothers for two or three years, when they disperse to find their own territory.
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