Global Tiger Day is celebrated every year on July 29 as a way to raise awareness about this magnificent but endangered big cat. It was formed at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in the year 2010 in Russia to protect tigers from going extinct when the 13 tiger range countries came together to create Tx2 – the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022.
India is home to over half of the world’s wild tigers – an estimated 2,226.
Here are some amazing facts about this big cat you must know:
- Every tiger in the world is unique – no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes.
- We have reportedly lost over 97% of the tiger population in the last century and the number is depleting continuously.
- Tiger is the largest of all the cats. This big cat can weigh up to 300 kgs or 700 pounds.
- The night vision of tigers is six times better than that of humans which helps them hunt in the dark
- Tigers are the only big cats to have stripes and individuals can be identified by their pattern. The stripes also help the mammals to blend in with their surroundings and remain undetected for longer by prey.
- In tall grass, rock crevices or caves, tiger cubs are born blind and depend on their mother for protection. After 15 months the matured cubs will disperse and find their own territories.
- The range of these big cats can be between 20km to 400km. Scent marking allows tigers to communicate with other tigers in their range.
- Land development has led to around 96 percent of the tiger’s natural range being lost in past 100 years.
- Tigers are incredibly adaptable animals that can be found in a variety of climates and habitat types across Asia. They can survive in extreme temperatures: from -40°c (Russia) to +40°c (India)!
- Tigers are adept swimmers, unlike other big cats. Tigers enjoy playing and bathing in water. The only other big cat that doesn’t mind getting wet is the black panther.
- When a tiger wants to be heard, you’ll know about it, gang – because their roar can be heard as far as three kilometers away.
