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.
Panthera Lineage
1. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
2. Lion (Panthera leo)
3. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
4. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
5. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
6. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
7. Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
Key Facts about Tigers
~ Largest wild cat species ~
~ Striped coat pattern ~
~ Highly endangered ~
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Tiger (Panthera tigris) Classification
Tigers belong to the big cat genus Panthera and the full taxonomy or scientific classification of the tiger species (Panthera tigris) is as follows:
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 tiger binomial name, tiger species name, tiger latin name, tiger biological name and tiger zoological name. Some call it the tiger botanical name however that term is applicable to the plant kingdom (botany) and not the animal kingdom (zoology).
View Tigers of the World Print
In association with NHBS - Everything for wildlife, science & environment
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 current Felidae taxonomy revision proposes 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. No matter how small or large your contribution, every bit helps!
© Jagdeep Rajput / www.ardea.com
Tiger 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
Books about Tigers
By Steve Winter & Sharon Guynup
Editors Tilson and Nyhus
(academic - eTextbook available)
Tiger Art Prints by Barbara Keith
Images copyright Barbara Keith
