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)
In scientific classification (taxonomy) the Tiger (Panthera tigris) belongs to the big cat genus Panthera within the subfamily Pantherinae of the Felidae cat family.
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)
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 species, 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).
This Tiger classification chart shows where the Tiger fits into the Felidae family and in particular the Panthera genus.
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)
Endangered (EN)
Extinct (EX)
However the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 proposed only two subspecies of Tigers based on comprehensive genetic studies:
*extant = still in existence
The global conservation status for Tigers is Endangered (EN) and populations continue to decline.
Tigers are the largest of all the wild cats, yet they are 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 illicit poaching and habitat loss caused by ever increasing human populations.
The following global organizations are fighting to conserve our iconic Tigers:
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!
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.
The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Tigers:
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.
~ Largest wild cat species ~
~ Striped coat pattern ~
~ Highly endangered ~
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:
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.
Images copyright Barbara Keith
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