Tiger (Panthera tigris) Classification

The Tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest of all the wild cats, yet the Tiger is also the most endangered and some populations have already gone extinct. In spite of many conservation programs it is estimated the Tiger population has declined by over 95% in the past 100 years, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss caused by ever increasing human populations.

Besides being the largest of the big cats, Tigers have a unique coat pattern of only stripes. Other cats may have stripes on parts of their coats but their markings will also include spots, rosettes or blotches.

Classification

The Tiger (Panther tigris) belongs to the big cat genus Panthera within the subfamily Pantherinae of the Felidae cat family. The full taxonomy or scientific classification of the Tiger species is:

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)

Class: Mammalia (mammals)

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)

Family: Felidae (cats)

Subfamily: Pantherinae (big cats)

Genus: Panthera (big cats)

Species: Panthera tigris (tiger)

Subspecies:

P.t. tigris

P.t. sondaica

Note: The scientific name for the Tiger, Panthera tigris, is also known as the binomial name, species name, latin name, biological name and zoological name. Some use the term 'botanical name' however that is only applicable to the plant kingdom (botany) and not the animal kingdom (zoology).

Subspecies (Lower Classifications)

Six extant Tiger subspecies (or lower classifications) were described in the last Red List assessment in 2014 and three subspecies have already gone extinct:

Critically Endangered (CR)

South China Tiger Panthera tigris amoyensis
Malayan Tiger Panthera tigris jacksoni
Sumatran Tiger Panthera tigris sumatrae

Endangered (EN)

Amur / Siberian Tiger Panthera tigris altaica
Indochinese Tiger Panthera tigris corbetti
Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris

Extinct (EX)

Bali Tiger Panthera tigris balica
Javan Tiger Panthera tigris sondaica
Caspian Tiger Panthera tigris virgata

However the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 proposed only two subspecies of Tigers based on comprehensive genetic studies:

Panthera tigris tigris - Mainland : larger size, paler coat with fewer stripes
Panthera tigris sondaica - Sumatra : smaller size, darker coat with more stripes

*extant = still in existence

Conservation

The global conservation status for Tigers is Endangered (EN) and populations continue to decline.

The following global organizations are fighting to conserve our iconic Tigers amidst ever growing human populations and illicit poaching:

Panthera.org - Tigers Forever

World Wildlife Fund WWF - Tigers TX2

Wildlife Conservation Society WCS Russia - Siberian Tiger

Wildlife Conservation Society WCS Russia - Amur Tiger

Please support these organizations with their important work if you can. No matter the size of your contribution, every bit helps!

Facts and Information

The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Tigers:

Tiger Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List

Tiger Detailed Information - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
Tiger Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group

Tiger Fact Sheet pdf - Wildscreen Arkive
Tiger Infographic - World Wildlife Fund

Big Cat Documentary:

Preview The Secret Lives of Big Cats filmed using high tech starlight and thermal imaging night cameras to capture previously unrecorded behavior. The series includes seven episodes on the secret lives of Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Pumas and Cheetahs. Produced by CuriosityStream.

Tiger Safaris Asia

The following organizations offer tours to places in Asia where you are likely to see Tigers in their natural habitat. These companies offer small group experiences, support conservation projects, and indicate their trips are environmentally and ethically responsible:

Naturetrek - Tiger Watching
Responsible Travel - Tiger Safaris
Natural World Safaris - Tiger Experiences
Royle Safaris - Tiger Holidays

Always bear in mind that sightings of any particular animal in its natural environment are not guaranteed and the experience of guides will greatly enhance your success.