Bengal tiger

Most numerous tiger pushed out of its home

Common Name		Bengal tiger, Indian tiger; Tigre du Bengal(Fr); Tigre de Bengal(Sp)
Scientific Name		Panthera tigris tigris
Habitat		Dry and wet deciduous forests, grassland and sal forests and temperate forests, mangrove forests
Location		South Asia
Status		IUCN: Endangered (CR C1+2a(i)) CITES: Appendix I
Population		around 2,000 individuals

Background

The Indian tiger is the most numerous of all tiger subspecies. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar and Nepal. India is home to the largest population, with an official figure of 1,411 tigers. It mostly inhabits the dry and wet deciduous forests of central and south India, the Terai-Duar grassland and sal forests of the Himalayan foothills, and the temperate forests of Bhutan. The mangroves of the Sunderban (shared between Bangladesh and India) are the only mangrove forests where tigers are found.

A burgeoning human population and its own needs are pushing the tiger out of its natural habitat. Increasing human-tiger conflicts often lead to retributive killings. The tiger also faces a serious threat from poachers. Although accurate figures are not available throughout its range, current estimates show there are around 2,000 Indian tigers surviving in the wild with India (1411), Bangladesh (200), Nepal (150), Bhutan (100), Myanmar and China.

WWF has been working with local partners to strengthen anti-poaching efforts, and to reduce threats to the natural habitat, both in India and Nepal. Work is underway to reduce pressure on natural forests in order to reduce conflict with people.

Physical Description

Size
This tiger may weigh more than 250 kg and measures nearly three meters from head to the tip of the tail.

Colour
The upper part of the animal ranges from reddish orange to ochre, and the under parts are whitish. The body has a series of black striations of black to dark grey colour.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Dry and wet deciduous forests, grassland and sal forests and temperate forests, mangrove forests

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan

Range States
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal

Geographical Location
South Asia

Ecological Region
Southwestern Ghats Moist Forests, Eastern Deccan Plateau Moist Forests, Naga-Manupuri-Chin Hills Moist Forests, Chhota-Nagpur Dry Forests, Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf and Conifer Forests, Terai-Duar Savannas and Grasslands, Sundarbans Mangroves, Western Ghats Rivers and Streams.