Tigers are mammals that are part of the Felidae family. This is divided into the subfamilies Felinae (cats, lynxes, pumas, among others) and Pantherinae, which is subdivided into three genera Neofelis (leopard), Uncia (leopard) and Panthera (includes species of lions, leopards, panthers and tigers). In turn, there are diverse species of tigers that are distributed in different parts of the world.
Do you want to know the types of tigers, their names and characteristics? our site has prepared for you this list with all the subspecies that exist. Keep reading!
Tiger Characteristics
Before describing the subspecies of tigers, you need to know the general characteristics of these cats. Currently, they are distributed in only 6% of the territory they inhabited 100 years ago. They can be found in several countries in Asia and some areas of Europe Due to this, it is estimated that there are 2,154 and 3,159 specimens, while the population is decreasing.
They inhabit forests with a tropical climate , prairies and steppes Their diet is carnivorous and includes animals such as birds, fish, rodents, amphibians, primates, ungulates and other mammals. They are solitary and territorial animals, although areas where up to 3 females live with a male are common.
Why is the tiger in danger of extinction?
Currently, there are several reasons why the tiger is in danger of extinction:
- Indiscriminate hunting.
- Diseases caused by introduced species.
- Expansion of agricultural activities.
- Consequences of mining and the expansion of cities.
- War conflicts developed in the habitats.
Next, learn about the types of tigers and their characteristics.
How many types of tigers are there?
As with lions, today there is only one species of tiger (Panthera tigris). From this species derive 5 subspecies of tigers:
- Siberian Tiger
- South China Tiger
- Indochinese Tiger
- Malay Tiger
- Bengal tiger
Now that you know how many types of tigers there are, we invite you to meet them. Let's go there!
Siberian Tiger
The first of these tiger species is the Panthera tigris ssp. Altaica or Siberian tiger. Currently, it is distributed in Russia, where the population is estimated at 360 adult individuals In addition, there are some specimens in China, although the number is unknown.
The Siberian tiger breeds once every 2 years. It is characterized by having orange fur crossed by black stripes. It weighs between 120 and 180 kilos.
To expand your knowledge, you may also be interested in this other article on our site where we explain the differences between the Bengal tiger and the Siberian tiger.
South China Tiger
The South China tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. amoyensis) is considered extinct in the wild, although some individuals may exist undocumented free; however, it has not been sighted since 1970. If it existed, it would be found in various areas of China
It is estimated to weigh between 122 and 170 kilos. Like other tiger species, it has orange fur crossed by stripes.
Indochinese Tiger
The Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. corbetti) is distributed in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and other Asian countries. However, the populations in each are very small.
Little information is available on the habits of this tiger subspecies. However, it reaches a weight of almost 200 kilos and has the characteristic fur of tigers.
Malay Tiger
Among the types of tigers and their characteristics, the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. jacksoni) only exists in the Malay Peninsula, where it inhabits forest areas. Currently, there are between 80 and 120 specimens, as their population has decreased by 25% during the last generation. The main reason for this is the deterioration of their habitat.
The Malayan tiger has the characteristic coloration of the species and has the same life and feeding habits. In addition, the strongest threat to its conservation is human intervention in its habitat, which reduces its chances of survival as the species it preys on disappears.
Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. sumatrae) is distributed in 10 national parks in Indonesia, where it inhabits protected areas. The population is estimated between 300 and 500 adult specimens.
It is considered the smallest tiger subspecies, weighing between 90 and 120 kilos. It has the same physical appearance as other varieties, but the stripes that cross the coat are thinner.
Bengal tiger
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. tigris) is found in Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh It may occur in that area for 12,000 years. Most of the current specimens are concentrated in India, although there is no consensus on the number of individuals.
This subspecies of tiger has a life expectancy between 6 and 10 years. The usual coloration is the typical orange coat, but some specimens have a white coat crossed by black stripes.
Also, did you know that the Bengal tiger is in danger of extinction? In this other article on our site we explain more about the subject: The endangered Bengal tiger - Causes and solution.
Extinct tiger species
There are three types of tigers that are extinct today:
Java tiger
The Panthera tigris ssp. sondaica belongs to the extinct tiger species. It was reported missing in mid-1970, at which time a few individuals survived in Java National Park. However, the species was considered extinct in the wild since 1940. The main causes of its disappearance were indiscriminate hunting and the destruction of its habitat.
Bali Tiger
The Bali tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. balica) was declared extinct in 1940; therefore, this species of tiger does not currently exist in the wild or in captivity. He was originally from Bali, Indonesia. Among the causes of its extinction are indiscriminate hunting and the destruction of its habitat.
Caspian Tiger
Also called the Persian tiger, the Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. virgata) was declared extinct in 1970, as they did not exist specimens in captivity that saved the species. Before that, it was distributed in Turkey, Iran, China and Central Asia.
Three are the main reasons for their disappearance: hunting, the decrease in the prey they fed on and the destruction of their habitat. These situations reduced the remaining populations during the 20th century.
