Largest member of the cat family. It lives in Asia and belongs to the same genus as the lion, leopard, and jaguar. Three major subspecies are the Siberian tiger, the Bengal tiger, and the Sumatran tiger. The modern tiger is thought to have originated in northern Asia during the Pleistocene Epoch (see Quaternary Period) and spread southward thereafter, crossing the Himalayas only about 10,000 years ago.

Siberian tiger

The very rare Siberian tiger measures 1.4 to 2.8 m (4.6 to 9.2 ft) long, not including the tail, which is 69 to 95 cm (27 to 37 in) in length, and weighs 180 to 306 kg (400 to 675 lb). It has thick yellow fur with dark stripes.

Bengal tiger

The Bengal tiger, which is about 3 m (about 10 ft) long, including the tail, and usually weighs 180 to 258 kg (400 to 569 lb), is found on the mainland of southeastern Asia and in central and southern India. Its coat lies flatter than that of the Siberian tiger, the tawny color is richer, and the stripes are darker.

Now bred only in zoos, the white Bengal tiger once inhabited north and east central India. All tiger subspecies are endangered because suitable habitats have largely given way to agricultural use. Tigers require an environment that supports both dense cover and the large, wild, hoofed mammals that are the bulk of their diet.

Tiger of Sumatra

The Sumatran tiger, found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is even smaller and darker.

The tiger is a solitary animal; males and females come together only at mating time, to share a kill, or to drink and rest at watering holes in areas with limited water. The litter numbers one to six cubs, which stay with the mother into their second year. The diet is varied, ranging from deer and cattle to frogs and fish; carrion is also eaten. The Bengal tiger inhabits grassy or swampy areas and forests, where it is well camouflaged by its coloration. Those living on islands have almost disappeared. Tigers have been hunted to near extinction by poachers in many Asian countries. Tiger body parts are sought for use in traditional Chinese medicine and exotic recipes. All subspecies of the tiger have been declared endangered.

Scientific classification: Tigers belong to the family Felidae. The Siberian tiger is classified as Panthera tigris altaica, the Bengal tiger as Panthera tigris tigris, and the Sumatran tiger as Panthera tigris sumatrae.