Common name

Tiger

Species name

Panthera tigris

ARKive fact

Unlike other species of cats, tigers are competent swimmers and will readily enter water to escape the mid-day heat.

Conservation status

Endangered

Distribution

Once known throughout central and southern Asia and as far west as eastern Turkey but currently survive only in scattered populations from India to Southeast Asia, and in Sumatra, China and the Russian Far East.

Habitat

Varies widely across its range from tropical forests to tall grass jungles, encompassing coniferous woodlands, mangrove swamps and dry thorn forests. In general however, tigers require dense cover, access to water and sufficient large prey.

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