International Tiger Day

Why do tigers need protection?

Tigers are regularly poached for tourism

Tiger ‘experiences’ are big business in many areas where tigers are still found. Tourists will often pay for selfies with tiger cubs or to watch adult tigers ‘perform’. All of these are exploitative and harmful to the animals involved.

Tigers are in demand for traditional medicine

Tigers are also commonly poached or farmed for their body parts to be used in traditional medicine. As the largest big cat, an adult tiger has many large bones that are sought after to be ground up for ‘remedies’.

There is no evidence that tiger bones have any healing properties, and the animals bred for this purpose are kept in brutal conditions. South Africa is one of the few remaining countries that permits legal farming of big cats, but illegal farming is also common.

Tigers are still seen as trophies

A tiger’s distinctive striped coat is important for camouflage but can also attract the wrong kind of attention. Pelts are seen as trophies and sell for high prices, despite this trade being illegal. Tiger cubs are also prized as status symbols among some extremely wealthy individuals.

4 facts about tigers

1. International Tiger Day was created in 2010 to increase awareness of the challenges tigers face in the wild and encourage conservation efforts.
2. Tigers have unique voices and can identify each other by their roars, which can be heard over 3 kilometres away.
3. Tigers enjoy the water and are strong swimmers. They can swim several kilometres at a time and are happy to hunt in the water.
4. Tiger stripes are unique like fingerprints. Each tiger has a unique pattern of stripes that can be used to identify them, just like human fingerprints. In fact, researchers have set up cameras and used 3D modelling to identify different tigers based on their stripe patterns.

Learn more tiger facts

International Tiger Day FAQS

How long do tigers live?

Tigers typically live 10 to 15 years in the wild. In captivity, where they are protected from threats and receive medical care, they can live up to 20 to 25 years. However, their quality of life in captivity is often poor due to confinement and lack of stimulation.

How much does the tiger weigh?

The weight of a tiger depends on its subspecies. On average, male tigers weigh between 90 to 310 kg, while females are lighter, ranging from 65 to 170 kg. The Siberian tiger is the heaviest, with some males weighing over 300 kg.

Why are tigers endangered?

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species designated tigers as ‘Endangered’ in 1986. In the last 100 years, tiger numbers have dropped from 100,000 to just 3,500.

Tigers are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and human conflict. Their body parts are trafficked for traditional medicine, and they are sometimes kept in captivity or exploited for tourism. 

Are tigers bigger than lions?

Yes, tigers are generally bigger than lions. The largest tiger subspecies, the Siberian tiger, can weigh up to 310 kg and measure up to 3.3 metres long. In contrast, male lions typically weigh up to 225 kg and measure about 3 metres in length.

What is the biggest tiger in the world?

The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the biggest tiger in the world. Males can weigh over 300 kg and measure more than 3 metres in length. They also have a thick fur coat to survive harsh Russian winters.

How many white tigers are left in the world?

White tigers are not a separate subspecies, but rather Bengal tigers with a rare genetic mutation. They no longer exist in the wild and only exist in captivity, where they are often inbred for appearance, which can lead to health issues. 

What does tiger eat?

Tigers are carnivores and mainly hunt large prey such as deer, wild boar, and buffalo. They can also take down young elephants or rhinos in rare cases. Tigers hunt alone, using stealth and power to ambush their prey.

What is the habitat of tiger?

Tigers live in a range of habitats, including tropical forests, mangrove swamps, grasslands, and boreal forests. They are mostly found in India, Russia, and Southeast Asia, though their range has significantly declined due to human activity.

What are the threats to tiger habitat?

Tiger habitats are under threat from deforestation, agricultural expansion, urban development, and illegal logging. These activities fragment tiger territories, making it harder for them to find prey and mates. 

When did the saber-tooth tiger go extinct?

The sabre-toothed tiger (Smilodon) went extinct around 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. It is not a direct ancestor of modern tigers, but a prehistoric feline known for its large, curved canine teeth.

How many albino tigers are left in the world?

Albino tigers are extremely rare and are not a recognised subspecies. They are usually the result of captive breeding. There is no reliable estimate of how many exist, but their population is minimal and limited to captivity.

How big is a Siberian tiger?

A male Siberian tiger can grow up to 3.3 metres in length and weigh over 300 kg, making it the largest living tiger subspecies. Females are smaller, typically weighing between 100 to 167 kg.

Why did the Tasmanian tiger go extinct?

The Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) went extinct in the 20th century due to hunting, habitat destruction, and competition with introduced species like dogs. The last known thylacine died in captivity in 1936.

Are tigers nocturnal?

Yes, tigers are primarily nocturnal hunters, most active during the night and twilight hours. This helps them avoid human activity and gives them an advantage when stalking prey. Sources: World Animal Protection, IUCN Red List

Where tigers are found?

Today tigers are found in just 13 countries, including India, China, and parts of Russia. This represents just 7% of the territory they used to inhabit just a century ago.

Can tigers be domesticated?

Tigers are not domestic animals and can’t be trained or domesticated. They are wild animals with instincts to hunt and kill. They are also solitary animals and do not enjoy social connections.