Tigers are large mammals that are members of the cat family. These predators have such strong and developed leg muscles that they are able to move at a speed of 60 km / h, jump up to 5 m up and 6 m in length. What else is known about this amazing, strong and majestic animal?
1. The body length of male Bengal and Amur tigers is 2.3-2.5 m, in some cases this parameter is 2.9 m (excluding the tail). The weight of these big wild cats varies and on average they can weigh up to 300 kg, and some unverified sources give a different figure, the maximum mass of tigers is 390 kg.
2. Unlike other members of the cat family, tigers love water and enjoy swimming and playing in it. They are able to swim long distances and cross rivers. But this occupation is not always safe, since a predator lives in the water, capable of causing great harm to tigers – a combed crocodile. Meetings with him sometimes end tragically for wild cats.
3. Compared to lions, who do not share prey with females and cubs, tigers are compliant with their relatives. They don’t fight over food, they just wait their turn.
4. Stripes in these animals, like in domestic cats, are not only on the coat, but also on their skin. An interesting feature was also revealed, there are stripes on the forehead of the tiger, which in shape form a pattern that strongly resembles the Chinese character “great lord”, therefore this animal has a special status in Asian culture.
5. Usually tigers do not attack people purposefully. Sick, old animals, or if there is no other prey in their range, can attack a person. Some individuals, having tasted human meat, become cannibals and pose a great danger to people. In many Indian regions, this problem is still relevant today. A simple and interesting means of defense was invented to reduce the likelihood of an attack by this predator. Predators almost always attack the prey from behind from an ambush, so they came up with a special mask with painted eyes, resembling a face, which must be worn on the back of the head.
6. When tigers are happy, they don’t purr. Being in complete safety, demonstrating their satisfaction, the animals squint and cover their eyes.
7. Predators are able to imitate the voices of many animals, thereby attracting potential victims.
8. Over the past 100 years, 3 subspecies of the tiger have disappeared from the face of the Earth. The Caspian tiger was exterminated during numerous human hunts. Balinese, destroyed due to the fact that it was considered the embodiment of evil in the culture of the inhabitants living on the island of Bali in Indonesia. The Javan tiger also suffered a sad fate, as a result of the overgrown coffee plantations in Java, there was a decrease, and later the complete disappearance of its habitats. According to some estimates, the number of animals belonging to the remaining subspecies of tigers is in the range of 3374-6500 individuals. Now hunting for tigers is poaching, they are listed in the Red Book and need protection and protection.
