the siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) o The Amur tiger is a rare cat that lives in the Russian Far East. The largest population is in the mountainous regions of Sikhote Alin. Once the cat was widely distributed in northeast China and Korea, but today there are less than 393 tigers living in the wild. Siberian tigers are also known as the Manchurian tiger, Korean tiger, and Ussurian tiger.

Features and Description

Adult Siberian tigers weigh up to 318 kg (701 lb) and body length measures up to 350 cm (140 in). Males are larger than females. The average weight of males is 180 to 306 kg (397 to 675 lb), while females average 100 to 167 kg (220 to 368 lb). The tiger has quite dense fur that protects the animal from the extreme cold of Siberia. Siberian cats have 15 to 17 mm (0.59 to 0.67 in) long fur on their backs. The whiskers are between 90 and 115 mm (3.5 and 4.5 in) long. Siberian cats are not only the largest cats, but also the largest carnivorous land mammals. They are remarkable swimmers and tigers have been known to follow their prey in the water. They are adapted to living in extremely cold climates unlike the Asian subspecies that live in hot habitats.

Diet

Amur tigers feed on a wide range of species such as Siberian roe deer, Manchurian elk, moose, Manchurian sika deer, long-tailed goral, wild boar, Siberian musk deer, salmon, hares , pikas and rabbits. They can also kill Asiatic black bears and Ussuri brown bears.

Range and Habitat

Siberian cats live at high altitudes measuring up to 500 to 800 m (1,600 to 2,600 ft) above sea level. The Siberian tiger is believed to be found primarily in the Russian Far East and eastern Siberia. It also inhabits around Lake Baikal. They are likely to make habitats in deciduous coniferous forests, Korean alpine broadleaf forests, and the northern boreal complex.

Territorial and Social Behavior

Amur tigers will travel up to 1,000 kilometers. They have large home ranges, but Siberian cats actively defend territories. Siberian tigers are excellent swimmers. The tiger is likely to recognize its territory, which abounds with hollow trees, caves, and thick vegetation. They do this to protect themselves or possibly their pups from other terrestrial predators.

Reproduction

Amur tigers do not appear to have a specific mating season as females remain receptive throughout the year. The gestation period is about 3 to 3.4 months, after which 2 to 4 cubs are born. Litter size can be up to 6. Males will reach maturity at 4-5 years of age. Siberian cats have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.

Conservation and Population

Siberian cats are endangered cats with a world population of only 310 to 393 surviving in the wild habitat. Amur tigers are in danger of extinction mainly due to massive deforestation and habitat destruction. Humans are primarily responsible for pushing tigers out of their native habitat. In fact, it brings humans and tigers closer to each other. The close encounter of humans with tigers has made many tigers redundant in their own habitat.