Common name: Siberian (Amur) Tiger
Scientific name: Panthera tigris altaica

Conservation Status: Endangered
Despite having conservation programs in place, there are less than 500 Siberian Tigers left in the wild. This is due to habitat loss, poaching for traditional medicines and big game hunting.

Only 6 subspecies remain of the 9 recognized subspecies of tiger and their numbers are dropping quickly. Immediate action is needed through education and conservation efforts to save the tiger from extinction in the wild.

At the zoo: Hana (female, 14y); you can find her in our Cat Complex in the SE enclosure.

Habitat:
Siberian Tigers currently inhabit parts of northeastern China, eastern Russia, and possibly North Korea.

Diet:
Siberian Tigers prey on large and small ungulates, small mammals, brown bears, and birds.

Median Life Expectancy:
14 - 16 years

Biology:
Male Siberian Tigers are the largest cats in the world weighing up to 450 kilograms with body lengths up to 3.7 meters long. Their fur is orange with black stripes, and a white belly. They also have curved retractable claws up to 4 inches long. With their muscular build, keen eyesight, and unique camouflage, tigers are powerful hunters. Adapted for northeast Asia’s harsh, cold climate, they are right at home in the snow.

Tigers are solitary creatures and mainly only associate with other tigers for the purpose of mating. Female tigers come into estrus every 3 - 9 weeks and have an average gestation of 3 1/2 months. A litter of 1 - 7 cubs is born and stay with their mom from 1 1/2 to 3 years of age.

Fun Fact:
The striped pattern on a tiger's fur is on its skin as well, like a tattoo!