Page 21 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

Pantherinae

TIGER
Panthera tigris
Lifespan 16-18 years
Adult weight Up to 310kg
(685lbs)
Conservation status
Tiger ENDANGERED

The largest of all the big cats weighs
There have been cases
three times that of a human and grows as of tigers crossing rivers
long as a family car. Around 3,000 tigers almost 30 kilometres
can be found throughout central and (18 miles) wide
southeast Asia and eastern Europe. They
dominate a wide range of habitats, from
grasslands to mangrove swamps, and can
tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations.
Tigers can swim long distances, climb
sheer inclines and tiptoe through dense
vegetation without making a sound.
Their canines are ten centimetres (four
inches) long and are capable of boring
into the tough hide of giant ungulates,
cattle and pigs. They sneak up to prey
in the dead of night and spring out to
catch it unawares. A tiger can leap a
distance of ten metres (33 feet) to deliver
a deadly bite to the animal’s throat. Tigers
are powerful animals and have enough
strength to transport a male gaur, the
biggest species of wild cow. Sometimes Images © Getty
tigers attack prey so dangerous that they
are fatally injured.

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