The Siberian or Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest of all the tiger subspecies. It has a reddish-orange coat that fades to white on its face and belly. It has dark brown, vertical stripes that cover its flanks and shoulders. Its fur is thicker and longer than other tiger subspecies, an adaptation to its cold, mountain habitat.
Siberian tigers are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Siberian tiger populations fell precariously close to extinction in the 1940s, when there were as few as 40 tigers left in the wild. Since that time, the tiger population has rebounded modestly and although the subspecies remains critically endangered, its numbers are now estimated to be in the range of 431 to 529 individuals (WWF, 2007).
- Mass: 50-60kg (males), 30-35kg (females)
- Diet: large mammals (such as roe deer, sika deer, and wild boar), small mammals (such as badgers and hares)
- Mating Season: little known, possibly year-round
- Number of Offspring: up to 6 (average 2-3)
Classification:
Where to See:
The Siberian tiger's range includes the far south-east of Russia, along the border of China and North Korea and bounded on the west by the Sea of Japan.
References:
- Amur Tiger (WWF)
- Miquelle D, Darman Y, Seryodkin I. 2008. Panthera tigris ssp. altaica. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. November 19, 2008.
- Dacres K, Lundrigan B. 2007. Panthera tigris. Animal Diversity Web. December 16, 2007.
