This week I came across a video talking about animals that got extinct in this century and there were a few types of beautiful tigers. I was surprised since I generally picture only one type in my head when I think about this animal. I quickly realized that I always knew only one type of tiger because we basically destroyed the other species.
I want to share with you some interesting types that still remain on the planet. I chose the most different species so we can see how unique they can be from each other.
Siberian Tiger
They are mainly found in eastern Russia, although there is a few population in China.The Siberian tiger had to develop some physical adaptations to endure the cold temperatures of its habitats, like a thick layer of fat and a very dense fur. They also have fewer dark stripes compared to other tigers. The chest, belly, inner limbs and the area around the neck are white.
Bengal Tiger
There are nine subspecies of Bengal Tiger. Three are already extinct. The range of tigers all across Asia is now significantly smaller. The surviving sub species can be found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. Still is the subspecies with the most living individuals left, with 2,500 adult tiger population. The Bengal tiger is the national animal of both India and Bangladesh. Since 2010, it is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Indochinese Tiger
It can be found in several Asian countries such as, Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Thailand. They are darker in color and smaller in size than Bengal tigers. Indochinese tigers prefer to live in forests in areas that are either hilly or mountainous. These type of Tiger is rare. The government estimates the sub species population to be at a mere 350.
There is hope in other remaining Indochinese tiger habitats, which have a relatively low human presence and offer a better opportunity for tiger conservation, where perhaps 250 tigers remain.
Sumatran Tiger
Sumatran tigers are the smallest surviving tiger subspecies. They are distinguished by heavy black stripes on their orange coats. The last of Indonesia’s tigers—as few as 400 today— are located in the remaining patches of forests on the island of Sumatra.
It has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2008. With a population estimated at 441 to 679 individuals, with no subpopulation larger than 50 individuals and a declining trend.
The Sumatran tiger is the only surviving member of the Sunda Islands group of tigers that included the now extinct Bali tiger and Javan tiger.
Instinct Subspecies
Bali Tiger
The Bali tiger was the smallest tiger subspecies, with the males weighing 200 to 220 pounds and the females weighing 140 to 180 pounds.
Caspian Tiger
This subspecies used to be found in sparse forests. It was also found south and west of the Caspian Sea. It was still sighted in the wild up to the early 1970s.
Javan Tiger
This subspecies is bigger than the Bali tigers, with the males weighing 220 to 310 pounds and the females weighing 170 to 250 pounds. The Javan tiger has no longer been sighted since 1979 when it was last seen around the Mount Betiri area.
Source:
http://www.lions.org/types-of-tigers.html
https://www.worldwildlife.org
http://www.tigers-world.com