Tigers are also known as "Big Cats" but when it comes to the biggest size, the largest tiger species among them are the "Siberian Tigers". Due to their name as Siberian Tigers, it clearly indicates that they inhabit the regions of Siberia.
Aside from Siberia, Siberian tigers also used to inhabit some places in Asia and Russia. But through progress of human civilization, their natural habitat in these places were destroyed where they no longer can be found.
Today, Siberian tigers found their place high in the mountain areas far away from human civilization. They used to stay at the lower levels but when humans started clearing out the forest areas, it is no longer fit for them to live and survive. And worst, there are human hunters that hunts them down.
Finding food high up in the mountains are a lot more difficult as compared from the lower levels. Thus, only good hunters can survive in their new found environment. Foods they usually prey are wild boars and certain types of deer that also inhabit the thick forest of the mountain areas.
Physical Characteristics of Siberian Tigers
A Siberian tiger averages an approximate body length of about 3.3 meters or 11 feet. The tail isn't included yet which measures an average of about 1 meter or 3 feet. Just imagine yourself of these tigers can stand up straight on their hind legs like bears. They will be much taller than any adult individual.
Fully matured male Siberian tigers can reach a surprising weight of up to 320 kg or 700 lb. As for the females, they are actually significantly smaller where they can weigh for up to 180 kg or 400 lb.
What really makes Siberian tigers differ from other species are their striped furs. Researchers claims that each tigers are born with unique stripped pattern. It's like a human fingerprint where there will be no tigers having the same pattern of strips.
Some Interesting Facts about Siberian Tigers
1. Siberian tigers are solitary creatures. This means that they always hunt alone. They area also territorial. They usually mark their scents around such as on trees and rocks to keep other tigers away from entering their territory.
Almost every other animals fall prey for the Siberian tigers such as elk, boar, bears and deer. They can also prey for small animals such as rabbits and fishes.
2. Not all Siberian tigers are successful on their hunt. So they often spend their time hunting around for their food. In order to satisfy their appetite, they need to consume up to 27 kg or 60 lb if they are very hungry. But generally, they eat about 9 kg or 20 lb of meat.
3. A Siberian tiger mother with 2 to 6 cubs will have to leave its babies alone in order to hunt for their food. Since hunting can be difficult, the mother cannot catch enough food for their cubs that some of them will starve to their death.
4. Three months old cubs can leave their den and they can accompany their mother in hunting for their food. By the time that they reached 18 months old, they can hunt on their own but still, they will live together on their mother's den. It's only when they reached 2 to 3 years of age before they can leave their mother's den and live on their own.
Protecting the Siberian Tigers from Extinction
Several concerned organizations around the world are working together in protecting the Siberian tigers because they are now considered as endangered species. But despite the fact, many individuals are still illegally hunting them for their furs and body parts for traditional medicines.
Due to the uncontrollable hunting for the Siberian tigers, many countries including the United States have now declared a law prohibiting any imports or selling of tiger parts. And in order to help sustain the endangered population of the tigers, many breeding programs has been organized.
