Panthera tigris

Habitat

From the Russian taiga to tropical rainforests

Conservation status

Endangered. Tigers have been driven to the brink of extinction by ruthless hunting, as well as habitat loss due to agriculture and forest clearance. A further threat is the insatiable demand for “tiger medicine”. In Asia, in particular, almost every tiger body part is traditionally prized as a highly effective remedy for ailments of all kinds — from rheumatism to impotence. Accordingly, huge profits are generated by poaching and illegal trade.

Biology

Tigers are the world’s third-largest terrestrial predators (after polar bears and Kodiak bears). These big cats prey on any animals found in their habitat, not excluding mice or frogs. They prefer to hunt larger species, however, such as deer, wild boar and sometimes even bears.