The tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, is one of the most iconic and majestic big cats on the

planet. It is the largest cat species and a dominant predator in its habitat. Tigers are renowned for
their striking orange coats marked with black stripes, providing excellent camouflage in their natural
environment of dense forests, grasslands, and swamps across Asia.

With six living subspecies, tigers once roamed vast territories from eastern Turkey to eastern Russia
and throughout Asia, from the Russian Far East to Indonesia. However, due to habitat destruction,
poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, tiger populations have dwindled significantly, with some
subspecies facing the threat of extinction.

Tigers are solitary hunters and primarily nocturnal, using their keen senses of sight, smell, and
hearing to stalk and ambush prey. They are apex predators, preying on a variety of ungulates such as
deer, antelope, and wild boar. Tigers are also opportunistic and will consume smaller animals when
larger prey is scarce.

The tiger's large, muscular body, powerful jaws, and retractable claws make it an apex predator
capable of taking down prey much larger than itself. They are known for their remarkable strength,
agility, and stealth, often being able to leap distances of up to 10 meters in pursuit of prey.

Despite their fearsome reputation, tigers are also vulnerable. Habitat loss and fragmentation have
resulted in human-tiger conflicts as these animals increasingly encroach on human settlements in
search of prey. Additionally, illegal poaching for their skins, bones, and other body parts for
traditional medicine and trophies poses a severe threat to their survival.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore tiger habitats, mitigate human-tiger
conflicts, and combat poaching. Conservation organizations work with governments, local
communities, and international partners to establish protected areas, enforce anti-poaching laws,
and raise awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

Through these collective efforts, there is hope that tiger populations can recover and thrive once
again in the wild. However, continued commitment and action are essential to ensure the survival of
these magnificent creatures for future generations to admire and cherish.