Tiger
Panthera tigris
- Where
- Asia (India, Sumatra, Siberia, and more)
- Habitat
- Forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps
- Diet
- Carnivore — deer, wild pigs, and other large prey
- Size
- Up to ~10 ft long including tail; largest big cat
- Lifespan
- About 10–15 years in the wild
- Conservation
- Endangered — habitat loss and poaching are major threats.
Fun Facts
- No two tigers have the same stripe pattern — like a fingerprint.
- Tigers are excellent swimmers and often cool off in rivers.
- A tiger’s roar can be heard more than a mile away.
Learn More
Tigers are the largest of the big cats. Their orange coat with black stripes helps them hide in tall grass and forest light.
Unlike many cats, tigers often live alone. A tiger needs a large territory to find enough food.
Tigers are apex predators: they keep prey populations in balance and are a key part of healthy forests.
Most wild tiger subspecies are endangered. Protecting forests and stopping illegal hunting helps them survive.