Facts about Tigers

Top Tiger Facts

Tigers are considered to be one of the most fascinating creatures out there in the world.

There is a great deal of information to learn about them so get ready to explore some wonderful tiger facts. They will help you to gain more insight about the lives and even the future for these animals.

1. Every single tiger in the world has their own distinct pattern of stripes. 
This is one of the easiest ways to tell them apart from each other. These stripes are used to help the tiger to hide in their natural environment though so they can sneak up on their prey.

2. They largest of the tiger species is the Siberian Tiger.

3. There are 6 species of tigers left in the world and 3 more are known to be extinct.

The remaining 6 species of tigers are all classified as endangered species.

4. All species of tigers are extremely territorial.

5. Tigers are loners.

They are loners with the exception of when they are courting, mating, or raising their offspring.

6. Tigers are like arrows.

The word tiger means arrow and the name came to be due to the comparison between the speed of the animal and an arrow.

7. Tigers are 2 million years old.

The oldest fossil remains of tigers are believed to be about 2 million years old. They were found in various areas of China.

8. Bengal Tigers are seriously endangered.

There are believed to be less than 2,000 Bengal tigers left in the world.

9. Tiger mix.

There are some types of hybrid tigers out there. Most of them have been breed in captivity rather than engaging in this on their own in the wild. What is known as the liger is a cross between a lion and a tiger. A tigon is a cross of a female lion and a male tiger. Most of the time the males of these two hybrids are sterile but the females can breed successfully. The creation of such hybrids is still very common in zoos throughout China.

10. White tigers are result of a genetic mutation.

White tigers are extremely rare in the wild. Both parents must have a mutated gene in order for this coloring to occur. They are often bred for this coloring in zoos but the result is a great deal of inbreeding. This is why white tigers are more likely to develop severe health problems as well as physical deformities than other types of tigers.

11. The Maltese Tiger

The Maltese tiger which features a black and blue coloring isn’t found in the wild. They are genetically engineered in zoos and other locations. Many people mistake these types of tigers for panthers due to their coloring.

12. Tigers are not easy to catch.

It may surprise you that these calculated hunters only make the kill in 1 out of every 20 attempts.

13. Tigers are great swimmers.

Tigers are excellent swimmers and are often found during the day relaxing in ponds, streams, and rivers. They seek out water to swim in where most others of the cat family will avoid it.

14. Tigers are human killers

Tigers have killed more humans than any other cat in the world.

15. Some Tigers are famous.

Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh series is one of the most well recognized tigers in the world. Millions of dollars are made annually from the sales of toys, games, and shows featuring this character.

16. Tigers are very popular.

The tiger was recently named the favorite animal of people through a poll conducted by Animal Planet. The dog was the animal closest to this top ranking.

17. Tigers size depend on their habitat

Tigers in the North are larger than those in the South based on their range of habitat and the size of the prey they have available to them. By the same token tigers in the North have lighter coloring than those living in the South.

18. A tiger can leap forward up to 33 feet at a time.

19. Tigers walk on their toes.

20. Tigers have retractable claws.