As past research has argued, the lack of genetic and morphological differences between mainland tigers could allow them to be managed as single subspecies. Theoretically individuals from any region, wild or captive, could be relocated to repopulate former areas or increase numbers of failing local populations.
This could help to increase general tiger numbers and local genetic diversity. But the recent study suggests that tiger adaptations may be more subtle and intricate than first appeared.
If tigers are allowed to hybridise either in captive or wild populations it could drive the more vulnerable subspecies to extinction before we fully understand exactly how they have adapted to their particular area.
There is a downside to considering tigers as separate subspecies and attempting to protect them on this basis, without mixing in tigers from elsewhere. Numbers of each subspecies are very small — there are only around wild Amurs , for instance — and smaller populations are more vulnerable to extinction.
This could be caused by the regular threats of habitat loss and poaching or simply due to reduced genetic diversity making a small population vulnerable to disease and other selective pressures. Genetic diversity is key for adaptation and ultimately species survival. As our understanding increases, more informed decisions can be made regarding how best to conserve the tiger. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in.
For example, they have about half of the heft of a Bengal or Siberian tiger. Their stripes are another distinguishing feature. They have very dark, defined lines, and they stretch over the entire body.
They even have stripes on their forelegs, which not all tiger species do. This distinguishes them from both the Bali and Javan tigers that lived in the same area but have gone extinct. Congregating around the Caspian Sea, these tigers were fierce, powerful creatures with big skulls and even bigger bodies. The largest specimen ever recorded was Sadly, the Caspian tiger has been declared extinct.
When they were alive, Caspian tigers had muted colors. However, surviving pelts show that they had rusty orange fur with lots of brown.
A cool thing, however, is that there are periodic reports of tigers in the area. In , locals claimed to have seen a tigress with two cubs, and officials found fresh tracks on the ground. In , after the eruption of a volcano, paw prints were seen in the ash. In , a wildlife ranger in a national park took a picture of a tiger-like creature feeding on a bull. These sightings might not be Javan tigers. They could be leopards or other big cats. And they could be the imaginations of hopeful locals.
Still have questions about tigers? The wild tiger population is estimated to be 3, There are 9 tiger subspecies. Of these, 3 have gone extinct. That leaves just 6 remaining tiger subspecies. Nearly every part of the tigers is used. None of these applications are based in science or medicine. Rather, the use of these products seem based in superstition and religious tradition.
Eyes, organs, blood, flesh, whiskers, brains, and bones have been used to treat almost every type of illness. They have been used as pain killers, aphrodisiacs, and a cure for laziness.
They have been used to treat fever, headaches, baldness and toothaches. Some tiger parts are thought to possess spiritual powers — preventing demon possession. The use of these products are primarily by the older generations. Younger generations tend to favor modern medicine over these unproven, traditional products.
Source: Killed for a Cure by Traffic. Amulets and religious use: These are still popular, and include fangs, skin and other tiger parts as religious objects.
Are all tiger parts from wild poached tigers? Much of the tiger products actually come from tiger farms. These are located in Nepal, China, and Thailand. Like most farms, tiger farms raise tigers like livestock.
It was estimated in February that more than 8, tigers lived on these farms. The Malayan tiger was only identified as being a separate subspecies from the Indochinese tiger in It is very similar to the Indochinese tiger, but is smaller in size.
Malayan tigers are found in the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests of the southern tip of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Indo-Chinese tigers are a bit smaller and darker than Bengal tigers, with shorter, narrower stripes. Males average 9 feet 3 m from head to tail and weigh about pounds kilograms. Females are smaller, measuring about 8 feet 2. These tigers live in remote forests in hilly and mountainous terrain, which makes it difficult for scientists to gain access to their habitat.
As a result, relatively little is known about the status of these tigers in the wild. A assessment put the number of Indo-Chinese tigers in the wild at an estimated to 1, individuals, according to the Save the Tigers Fund. Genetic analyses in showed that Indo-Chinese tigers were a separate subspecies from Malayan tigers. Sumatran tigers are protected by law in Indonesia, with tough provisions for jail time and steep fines, according to the WWF.
But despite conservation and anti-poaching efforts, tigers are still hunted and tiger parts and skins remain in high demand. The Sumatran tiger has the darkest coat of all tigers. Its broad, black stripes are closely spaced and often doubled.
Unlike the Siberian tiger, it has striped forelegs. Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger subspecies. Males average 8 feet 2.
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