Tigers (Panthera tigris) are the largest members of the cat family (Felidae) and are known for

their
distinctive orange coat with black stripes. Here are some key points about tigers:

1. **Distribution:**

- Historically, tigers were found across much of Asia, from the Russian Far East to the Indian
subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and eastern Turkey.

- Today, their range has significantly decreased, and tigers are primarily found in fragmented
populations in parts of Asia.

2. **Species and Subspecies:**

- There are several subspecies of tigers, including the Bengal tiger, Siberian tiger, Indochinese tiger,
Malayan tiger, South China tiger, and Sumatran tiger. Each subspecies has unique characteristics and
adaptations to its specific habitat.

3. **Physical Characteristics:**

- Tigers are easily recognizable by their large size, powerful build, and distinctive coat pattern of
orange fur with black stripes.

- They have a white belly and facial markings, and their eyes are often a striking shade of yellow or
amber.

4. **Habitat:**

- Tigers can inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and mangrove swamps.
Their habitat range is closely linked to the availability of prey species.

5. **Behavior:**

- Tigers are solitary animals, with males and females generally coming together only for mating.

- They are excellent swimmers and are known to cool off or hunt in water.

- Tigers are crepuscular hunters, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.

6. **Diet:**

- Tigers are carnivores and primarily prey on large ungulates such as deer, wild boar, and buffalo.

- They are powerful hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves.

7. **Conservation Status:**
 - Tigers are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red
List.

- Threats to tiger populations include habitat loss, poaching for their body parts, and conflicts with
humans.

8. **Conservation Efforts:**

- Conservation initiatives focus on protecting and restoring tiger habitats, anti-poaching efforts, and
community-based conservation projects.

- Several organizations and governments work together to save tigers and raise awareness about
their conservation needs.

Tiger conservation is a critical global effort to ensure the survival of these majestic big cats in the
wild. Efforts are underway to address the various threats they face and to promote coexistence
between tigers and human communities.