Page 126 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

iv. Bengal Tiger
Scientific name: Panthera tigris

Bengal tiger is one of the rare species of the world.
According to the survey done in Nepal in 2013 A.D.,
there are 198 Bengal Tigers above 15 years in Nepal.

An adult tiger is about 1 m in height and weighs 130-
200 kg. Its body is reddish to yellowish orange in
colour. It has black stripes all over its body. The tail is
black and the belly is white. The ears are black spotted. Fig: 14
It has majestic look and graceful walk. It is a good swimmer.

It is a carnivorous animal and feeds on blue bull, deer, fish, reptiles, birds, etc. It travels
widely for food and for mating. It reproduces 2-6 cubs at a time. It lives for 15 years.

Bengal tiger is hunted for its skin and bones. It is also hunted for pleasure. The bones have
medicinal value. Its head and skin are used for decoration. It is found in the forests of terai
region and is protected in Bardiya National Park, Chitwan National Park, Banke National
Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park.

v. Asiatic Elephant

Scientific name: Elephus maximus
It is the largest, rare and conserved land mammal
found in Asia. It is smaller than African Elephant. An
adult elephant is 2.5 - 3.5 m tall. It weighs 4000kg-5000
kg. It is grey in colour. It has a huge head with big
ears, small eyes, small tail and long trunk with nosal
passage for smelling and sucking water. It has stumpy
legs. In males, the upper incisor teeth are modified into Fig: 15
protective tusks. It needs water holes, rivers, etc. to dip
and refresh. It is a herbivorous animal that eats grass, leaves, banana stem, fruits, crops,
etc.
It lives for about 70 years. It has become rare because it is hunted for its tusk(ivory), skin,
bones, etc. The tusk is used for decoration, making handles of knives, medicines, etc. Skin
is used for making leather goods. It is also decreasing due to the human wild conflict
since they harm the crops, people and their property.
It lives in the hot and humid forest of terai region. It is protected in Chitawan National
Park, Bardiya National Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park.

126 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10