They inhabit dense tropical or sub-tropical jungles, shrubland, grassland and riverside areas.
They are carnivores. Their diet is based on different types of sambar and barking deer, wild boars and livestock. It is a large predator.
They are considered to be critically endangered under the IUCN Red List. There are less than 200 of them left in the wild.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera tigris jacksoni
HEIGHT: 58 - 104 cm
LENGTH: 2.3 - 2.6 m
WEIGHT: 99 - 117 kg
BEHAVIOUR: Nocturnal hunters. They are solitiary, found in groups only during mating periods
COLOUR: Orange coloured with thin black stripes
LIFESPAN: 20 years
LITTER SIZE: 2 to 5 cubs
They use different vocalisations - chuffs, moans, growls and roars
Females leave their scents during mating periods
Males use their body odour to mark territories
Preying on wild boars ensures crop safety
Humans
Perfect body concealment while stalking prey
Coat helps it to blend in with the forest environment
Sharp eyesight during the night
Extremely good hearing, able to pick up infra-sound
Flexible spines and long hind limbs allow them to jump up to 33 feet
Soft pads on feet help to sneak up on its prey
29th July
1. Deforestation and urbanisation is forcing them to retreat into fragmented patches of forest.
2. Poached for their skin, bones and blood for use in traditional medicines and talismans.
3. Sold at exotic meat restaurants and into the pet trade as symbols of wealth and social status.
4. Fragmentation and habitat loss leads to prey shortages for the Malayan tigers.
5. Trophy hunting is another reason why they are killed often.