Bengal Tigers
Classification for: Panthera Tigris Tigris
General Information:
- The Bengal Tiger is most commonly found in the dense jungles and swamps of Asia.
- These carnivorous cats prey on deer, wild boar, and cattle but deer is known as their favorite.
- They are aggressive over their territory.
- Tigers are solitary creatures that only keep long term relationships with their mom and offspring.
- Bengal Tigers can get up to a speed of 60 mph, which is almost as fast as a cheetah.
- These powerful cats can easily jump around 10 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically!
Bengal Tigers are also closely related to many other species of tiger:
Indochinese Tiger
In appearance, this tiger has a longer and more narrow face than the Bengal Tiger.
Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran Tiger has more of a mane around its face and many dark stripes on its face and surrounding its eyes.
Malayan Tiger
Malayan Tigers have sleek fur and are overall a slimmer tiger that live in less-dense jungles.
Fun Facts:
- Bengal Tigers are on the endangered species list and people have protected land in Asia where wild tigers can roam freely without harm.
- Humans are a tigers only true predator, it is saddening to know that they have no defense against us since we have unfair advantages using weapons.
- A tigers roar can be heard up to 2 miles away!
- They are usually 5-6 feet from head to body and their tails can be 2-3 feet long.
- Tigers weigh around 300-600 pounds!
- Female Bengal Tigers are most likely to have a litter size of 3-5 cubs.
Citations:
- http://a-z-animals.com/animals/bengal-tiger/
- http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Panthera_tigris/#physical_description
- http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bengal-tiger/?source=A-to-Z
- https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&ei=3b8SVfKoDYi5yQS2i4KAAQ&ved=0CBQQqi4oAg (for related species pictures)