South China Tiger
By Oscar Sanchez
Introduction
The South China Tiger has been classified as critically endangered (Believed to be extinct) because not one has been seen over 20 years, also is the most endangered BIG CAT.
This video was posted in Beijing in April 2, 2011
South China Tiger Cub signing her name with attitude
Whats The south china tiger's scientific name?
The scientific name for this tiger is Panthera tigris amoyensis
Where do they come from?
These tigers are located in the South China- Hainan Moist Forest.
How BIG are they?
The South China tiger is the smallest tiger subspecies from mainland Asia, but bigger than the subspecies known from the Sunda islands such as the Sumatran tiger. Male measure from 230 to 265 cm (91 to 104 in) between the pegs, and weigh 130 to 175 kg (287 to 386 lb). Females are smaller and measure 220 to 240 cm (87 to 94 in) between the pegs, and weigh 110 to 115 kg (243 to 254 lb). Greatest length of skull in males is 318 to 343 mm (12.5 to 13.5 in), and in females 273 to 301 mm (10.7 to 11.9 in).[5]
Heres a Picture in the 1950's
In the 1950's they had conformed that there was only about 4,00 South China Tigers
How is there environment?
There is currently no information on where they are now because its been over 20 years since one was seen in the wild, but they grew up in the Hainan forest.
What is there diet?
Tigers are obligate carnivores. They prefer hunting large ungulates, frequently kill wild pig, and occasionally hog deer,muntjac and Gray langur. Small prey species such as porcupines, hares and peafowl form a very small part in their diet. Due to the encroachment of humans into their habitat, they also prey on domestic livestock.
In the former range of South China tigers possible tiger prey species include muntjak, wild pig, serow, tufted deer and sambar.
WHERE ARE THEY??????
As of March 1986, 17 Chinese zoos kept 40 purebred South China tigers in their collections, including 23 males and 14 females, none of which were wild-born. In 2007, the global captive population consisted of 72 individuals; there are few captive South China Tigers outside China. Few seem to be "pure" South China tigers as there is genetic evidence of cross-breeding with other subspecies.
How is there fitness?
They are actually pretty lazy in the zoo, but the Save China's Tigers team have been trying something called "Rewilding" which they try to take the tigers back to the wild to become themselves again. They were not impressed, The tigers in question were born in captive conditions, in concrete cages, and their parents are all captive animals who are unable to sustain themselves naturally in the wild. The cubs were sent to South Africa as part of the Save China's Tigers project to rewilding and ensure that they would regain the necessary skills needed for a predator to survive in the wild.
In 50 years
In 50 years if all goes well at the zoos, all will be good but as far as in the wild maybe there might be more since the Save China's Tigers team is trying to bring them back by sending cubs to live in the wild.
Any homologous structures or vestigial organs?
Our forelimbs are homologous with the tiger's forelimbs. Our neck bones are homologous with the tiger's, since we both have 7. Our inner ears are homologous with those of the tiger. Our hair is homologous with the tiger's fur. Our eyes are homologous with the tiger's eyes.