Shannon 2021

SIBERIAN TIGER

This research paper features the Siberian Tiger. Its scientific name is Panthera Tigris Altaica. The average weight for a male is 160-190kg, female is 110-130kg. Their lifespan is 16-18 years and they are the largest in the cat family. They primarily live in Eastern Russia’s birch forests, some exist in China and North Korea. Their habitat ranges from the Siberia to the forests of the Amur Basin.

Is this an Endangered Species? YES. Endangered but the population is stable. Their main survival threat is caused by poaching, habitat loss, and illegal hunting of their main food source, such as bears, deer, boars and elk. They also feed on fish, rabbits, hares and small rodents.

Siberian Tigers are generally solitary and territorial animals. Rarely do they walk or hunt in a group unless the female is taking care of her cubs. The cubs are trained to hunt from as early as eight weeks.

They are the only tiger that can survive the snow. They have a thick layer of fat which insulates the body against heat loss and their thick dense fur helps keep them warm. Their summer coat is usually brighter than their winter coat. They are distinguished by their stripped fur, with no two tigers having the same pattern.

Their night vision is six times stronger than humans. They are excellent swimmers and they can attain a speed of up to 60km an hour and can jump 5m in height and 10m in length.

I have chosen this animal because I feel drawn to it being my Chinese zodiac and I admire how majestic and strong it is.