AMUR TIGER
Panthera tigris altaica
DESCRIPTION
The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, is the largest subspecies of tiger and is native to the forests of the Russian Far East. It is known for its thick fur and long legs, adaptations to its cold habitat.
FUN FACTS
- Amur tigers can swim well and often hunt in water | They have the thickest fur of all tiger subspecies | Each tiger has a unique pattern of stripes, much like human fingerprints
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight150-300 kg
Average Length2.5-3.3 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically live alone except during mating or when a mother is raising cubs
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonWinter (January-March)
- Habitat
- Amur tigers inhabit temperate forests and mixed woodlands, often in mountainous regions. They require large territories with sufficient prey and cover for hunting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Taiga
- Native Range
- The Amur tiger is found in the Russian Far East, particularly in the Primorye and Khabarovsk regions, with a small population in northeastern China.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Russia, China
- Diet
- Amur tigers are carnivorous and primarily hunt large ungulates. Their diet includes deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- Sika deer, wild boar
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically live alone except during mating or when a mother is raising cubs
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 1
150-300 kg
Weight
2.5-3.3 m
Length
- Coloration
- Orange coat with black stripes, lighter underbelly
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are larger than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 93-112 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Winter (January-March)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Amur tiger population is critically low but has shown signs of recovery due to conservation efforts.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Around 500
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to logging and human encroachment, as well as poaching for their fur and body parts.
- Conservation Program
- Amur Tiger Conservation Program, various protected areas in Russia and China
- Defense Mechanisms
- Camouflage and stealth for hunting, powerful build for defense
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon