The Bengal Tiger
Population
The Panthera Tigris Tigris also known as the Bengal Tiger is arguably the most popular tiger people associate with, when tigers are mentioned. The Bengal Tiger is primarily found in India, with small patches inhabiting China, Nepal, Bangladesh and many more areas. At current scattered throughout the wild, there is approximately just fewer than 2500. While the numbers of this tiger were saved in the 1970's by the increase in reserves in India, there has been an increase in poaching in the last few years and they are at once at risk. The Bengal Tiger is currently listed as an endangered species. Appearance The Bengal Tiger is considered to be the second largest sub species of tiger only being beaten by the Siberian Tiger. The Bengal approximately weighs between 309 - 660 pounds, 140kg - 300kg, and it's length varying between 7 - 11 feet. The Bengal Tiger is characterised by its orange or light yellow coat, with black or dark brown stripes and their white coloured belly. |
Habitat
The Bengal Tiger primarily inhabit different forests, which can include dense forest, tropical forest, dry or wet forest with humidity or not and even mangroves. The mangroves that the Bengal Tiger can be found is called the Sundarbans which is shared between Bangladesh and India. However with the increase in climate change, there has been an increase in water and the mangroves are currently under threat. Diet & Lifestyle The Bengal Tiger, is a quick thinking and methodical predator. Similar with all tigers, the Bengal stalks their prey till the opportune moment to strike, then eventually feeding. The Bengal Tiger's diet usually consists of large predators in size, including the deer, antelope, monkeys and wild pigs. However if no large prey is available, the Bengal Tiger also eats fish and birds. |
The White Tiger
The White Tiger is generally considered to be a sub species of tigers on its own. The White Tiger is a genetic mutation which can be taken from the Bengal parent tigers which make it unique and different and is quite rare. These animals were found in the Indian subcontinent, however over the centuries they have rapidly declined due to trophy killings or capture for the exotic pet and animal trade, they are now only found in reserves and a handful of zoos.
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