The Bengal tiger, also known as the Royal Bengal Tiger or the Indian tiger, is the Mainland Asian Tiger, which is the subspecies with the largest population. It is the national animal of both India and Bangladesh and its scientific name is Panthera Tigris Tigris. The tiger first arrived in the Indian subcontinent about 12,000 years ago. The Royal Bengal Tiger ranks among the biggest wild cats alive today. It is considered to be belonging to the world's charismatic megafauna. Since 2008, this animal is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is threatened by poaching.Physiognomy of Royal Bengal Tiger
The physiognomy of the Royal Bengal Tiger is extremely attractive. It is a mammal with thick legs, strong teeth and jaws. The Royal Bengal Tiger's coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes ranging from dark brown to black; the belly and the interior parts of the limbs are white, and the tail is orange with black rings.
Male tigers have a length of 270 to 310 cm on average including the tail, while female tigers measure 240 to 265 cm on average. The tail is typically 85 to 110 cm long; the weight of male tigers ranges from 180 to 258 kg and weight of females ranges from 100 to 160 kg.
Distribution and Habitat of Royal Bengal Tiger
Most of the populations of Royal Bengal Tigers are in India, but there are some smaller groups in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan as well; it may also be present in some areas of China and Burma. An estimate of the World Tiger Recovery Program indicates that there are about 440 tigers in Bangladesh, about 155 in Nepal and about 75 in Bhutan. The approximate number of specimens is less than 2,500.
However, the latest census of 2016, as received from government sources, indicates that there are 106 tigers in Bangladesh, 103 in Bhutan, 198 in Nepal and 2,226 in India. This information is yet not confirmed by independent organizations. The Royal Bengal Tigers usually dwell in tropical rainforests, marshes, and tall grasses.
Diet of Royal Bengal Tiger
This animal mainly searches for medium or large prey, mainly ungulate mammals. Their hunting includes the gaur, water buffalo, sambar, chital or mottled deer, wild boar and other species of deer. They occasionally consume small prey such as rabbits and porcupines, and they may attack domestic livestock sometimes as well. Royal Bengal tigers can consume up to 40 kilograms of food on a single occasion, though they usually consume a smaller amount.
Hunting Process of Royal Bengal Tiger
The power of the Royal Bengal tiger can clearly be observed when they are hunting. Tigers cannot follow their prey for long distance so they use a tactic for the hunting which includes both stealth and camouflage. During hunting in the sunlight, the tigers hide in the tall grass to stalk the prey. Camouflage can be so effective that the unsuspecting prey can be just a few meters away from the tiger. When it is ready, it attacks silently by the side or behind the victim, jumps quickly on it and strikes with a blow with its retractable claws or a bite in the neck. Then they drag the animal several meters to consume it or they can even transport the body through to the water.
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