Of all of the types of cats on Earth, the tiger is the largest and is well-known for its tremendous power and unmatched strength. The Siberian tiger (also known as the Amur tiger) (scientific name: Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest of the eight tiger subspecies. It can grow up to 10 feet (3.3 meters) in length and weigh up to 660 pounds (300 kg). They can also run at speeds of up to 50 km/hour on the snow! Their habitat of choice is temperate forest (
18). Animals in the temperate forest habitat that Siberian tigers prey on include the Siberian stag, spotted deer, and wild boar. Siberian tigers have long intervals between cub litters and require wide undisturbed ranges to thrive (area to hunt for prey, reproduce, etc), making them difficult to monitor.
Like many of the other big cat populations, the overall tiger population is dwindling due to many reasons, including poaching and habitat loss. The World Wildlife Fund stresses that if nothing is done, all tigers may become extinct in the next 12 years (
15). Can you imagine what a world without tigers would be like? A world without an animal so beautiful and treasured by humans? Surely, the
conservation of Siberian tigers will be a difficult task, but it
is possible if everyone (government, non-profits, private organizations, the public) all contribute. I will focus on the most important reasons why conservation of the Siberian (Amur) tiger is necessary.
 |
| Amur tiger shown next to a 6'2" man |
