Saturday, May 31, 2014

SATURDAY'S WILD CATS

The BENGAL TIGER is a mammal and carnivore with an average life span in the wild of 8 to 10 years.  Its size, head and body, can range from 5 to 6 feet (1.5-1.8m); tail 2 to 3 feet (0.6-0.9m).  It can weigh from 240 to 500 lbs (109-227 kg).  This is the range of the Bengal tiger.  It is an endangered species.


Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power and strength.  There were eight subspecies at one time, but three became extinct during the 20th century.  Over the past 100 years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than 2,500.  Tigers are hunted as trophies, and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine.  All five remaining tiger species are endangered. and many protection programmes are in place.


Bengal tigers live in India and are sometimes called Indian tigers.  They are the most common tiger and number about half of all wild tigers.  Over many centuries they have become an important part of Indian tradition and lore.  Tigers live along and aggressively scent-mark large territories to keep their rivals away.  They are powerful nocturnal hunters that travel many miles to find buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and other large mammals.  Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes).  They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce.  A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds (27 kilograms) in one night, though they usually eat less.


Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous maneaters.  These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally, or live in an area where their traditional prey has vanished.


Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male.  Cubs cannot hunt until they are 18 months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory.



The above information was found on the National Geographic website.  The photographs were free.


12 comments:

  1. I do love the big cats (well all cats as you know) and grieve for the losses. Beautiful animals.
    Thanks Mimsie.

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    1. They have such a regal look don't they. I think the tiger would be my favourite big cat.

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  2. I love tigers, to me they are the most magnificent of all the big cats.
    I'm saddened by the loss of so many species of tiger and hope the rest can be saved.

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    1. We can only hope, with the help of breeding programmes and rescue organisations etc, that these beautiful animals can be saved from extinction.

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  3. Hari Om
    An icon. Perhaps, to coin a phrase, the original and the best. Lovin' that second 'cool cat' pose! YAM xx

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    1. That second picture says it all about the tiger doesn't it? Master of all it surveys. You feel you'd love to cuddle it if you dared.

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  4. Don't you just want to grab those big fuzzy cheeks?

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    1. Cuddle a tiger? What a wonderful thought. The things dreams are made of.

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  5. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this magnificent animal. Thank you Mimsie :)

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    1. I think everyone loves the tiger. You can't help doing so can you?

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  6. Fabulous photos from the NG site Mimsie. It's hardbreaking that so many of our wild cats are endangered and many other animals of course.
    The beauty of these tigers is staggering.
    I hope you and PHil are enjoying your weekend Mimsie

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    1. I have to admit when I see photos of these animals I tend to get tears in my eyes, not only at their sheer beauty but what they suffer at the hands of man.
      Thank you we did have a great weekend with afternoon tea up at our daughter and son-m-law's place.

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