Tiger (Panthera tigris) Classification ~ Wild Cat Family

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

Tiger (Panthera tigris) Classification

Tigers belong to the big cat genus Panthera and 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:

Panthera tigris tigris

Panthera tigris sondaica

The scientific name for tiger is Panthera tigris which 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).

Tiger (Panthera tigris) Subspecies

Tiger Lower Classifications

As at the last IUCN Red List assessment of tigers, six extant (still in existence) subspecies of tiger were described as well as three tiger subspecies that have already gone extinct, totaling nine tiger subspecies:

Extinct (EX)

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

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

However the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 proposed only two tiger subspecies based on comprehensive genetic studies. Thus the tiger lower classifications (or subspecies) at present are:

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

Tiger Conservation

The global conservation status for tigers is Endangered (EN) and populations are declining.

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

Panthera.org - Tigers Forever

World Wildlife Fund WWF - Tigers TX2

National Geographic - Big Cats Initiative

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!

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.