Roar of Facts: Beyond Stripes – Surprising Truths About Tigers
This journey into the tigers realm is not merely a safari of stunning visuals. It delves into the very essence of these striped kings and queens, unraveling the threads that bind their biology, behavior, and the fragile ecosystems they call home. We’ll stalk alongside them through emerald forests, plunge into the depths of their family dynamics, and listen to the symphony of growls and chuffs that paint their intricate social codes.
- They accelerate from 0 to 70 km/h in 4.5 seconds;
- They can keep a top speed of 65 km/h; Here are some interesting facts about tigers:
- Tiger is the largest cats in the world. The Siberian or Amur tiger can weigh over 600 pounds.
Tiger is the one with the most massive canines in their family with a bite force of 1000 psi;
1. Tigers are carnivores, eating only meat.
The Tigers have a varied diet and can feast on anything that comes their way, be it, a wild boar, deer/antelope, rodent, bear, bird, rhino, crocodile, buffalo, and even their group of cats like leopards. They even eat fish!
A tiger can eat up to 1/2 of its body weight in a single meal… so basically like all of us during this
2. A Tiger’s penis does not erect even when aroused
A Tiger’s penis doesn’t erect even when aroused and there is a logical reason behind it as an internal extra-skeletal baculum or a penis bone does all the work. It is present in all mammals and primates, drifting at the end of the penis. Baculum results best in sexual procreation, resulting in great advantages to the male by locking the process mid-sex and preventing a female from mating with others before his sperm completely gets absorbed. You must have seen such instances between dogs, think!
3. Tigers are the largest among other wild cats.
You probably knew this that Royal Bengal Tigers are the largest among other wild cats but did you also know that the male Tigers weigh up to 300 kilograms Jezz! That’s like weighing a group of six average humans. All they have to do is sit on top of you licking their paws, you’d be dead instantly.
4. A punch from a Tiger may kill you
It is said that one swipe from a Tiger’s front hand is enough to kill a person or an animal, or at least break one’s bones. uffff!!!
5. Tigers are nocturnal animals
It is not necessarily true that all Tigers are nocturnal but yes, they do prefer engaging in most of their hunting activities at night. The reason behind this is that Tigers prefer avoiding human conflict during daylight and also patrol around their territory at night. isn’t that Interesting?
6. Tiger cubs are born blind and only half of the cubs survive
The saddest part is that Tiger cubs are born blind and only a few survive. The newborn cubs can’t see anything, they only follow the scent of their mother. Since they are born blind and can’t keep up, most of them die of hunger or cold. Some even get eaten by male Tigers to make the Tigress available for mating. That’s just insane!
7. Tigers love to swim and play in the water
Unlike the domestic cats, its larger version enjoys spending time in the water and they love to swim for hours. Since cubs and female Tigers encourage or help learn the art of hunting, they even can kill in the water. As adults, it is said that they can swim for several kilometers and even reported one swim for 30 km in just a day.
8. A group of Tigers are called an ambush or streak
The Tigers are forced into unnatural situations where they are to share or stay under certain areas in a man-made environment, that’s when they are called as ambush or streak, even a Tigress with their cubs is called an ambush.
9. Tigers can mate with other big cats
Tigers can also mate with other big cats, for example, if a male Tiger mates with a female Lion, the hybrid-born animal is known as a Tigon (Tigon – Wikipedia) They are the largest cat species and can grow bigger than Liger (Liger – Wikipedia) which is a mixed breed of male Lion and female Tiger. The height of a Liger is about 4.5 feet on all four legs and about 6 feet tall when standing.
10. Tigers have antiseptic saliva
Perhaps, a good side of Tigers is that they have antiseptic saliva, so whenever you get a bruise and want to disinfect them, visit the doctor Tiger, just kidding! Usually what they do is, they tend to lick the area to prevent any infection.
11. Tigers can sprint at over 60 kilometers/hour
Not the fastest runner in the animal kingdom but the fact that Tigers have very strong legs makes them sprint more or less than 60 kilometers per hour, but it is only possible for short distances.
12. Tiger stripes are also found on their skin
Most of you may not know this but, most of the cat species have stripes on their fur as well as on their skin. It is true that similar to human fingerprints, the unique pattern of stripes on Tigers acts like their identity. Even if you shave off the fur of Tigers or house cats, you would still see the stripes.
(Note: Please do not try this at home with domestic pets. otherwise, i’ll sue you. just kidding)
13. Tigers rarely roar and are humble towards their group
I know, by generous, you must be like, what? But just so you know, Tigers are one of the most humble species unlike Lions (no offense). Often it is seen in the wildlife that the male Tigers allow the female and cubs to eat first.
14. Tiger’s urine smells like buttered popcorn
Here’s an interesting fact, the smell that emits from Tiger’s urine smells like buttered popcorn, don’t get tempted because it also signifies a warning sign to the intruders in their territory. Carefully stay away if you ever smell this.
15. Tigers prefer to hunt by ambush
One of the most common knowledge to any wildlife lovers, wild animals enjoy a surprise kill but not as much as Tigers. Due to their stripe camouflage, they hide behind thick bushes and attack their victim from behind. It is also said that Tigers are less likely to attack when we see them most of the villages in India wear a face mask on the back of their head just to trick the Tigers.
16. Tigers are solitary creatures
Tiger are indeed considered solitary animals. Unlike the sight of multiple tigers kept in one cage in zoos, you are less likely to spot the same age group of tigers roaming together in the wild. Tigers like to stay alone, they are often observed taking a leisure walk all by themselves or perhaps building their strategies for their next meal (LOL).
17. Tigers can imitate the calls of other animals.
Tigers imitate the calls of other animals! I had that same expression and it aroused me to dig deeper and find a positive answer, they certainly can. Hunting by mimicry is an added advantage to animals; it has been said that Tiger makes a ‘pook’ sound similar to that of chamois which draws these innocent animals into the trap and get ambushed.
18. Tigers do not normally view humans as prey
Tigers tend to attack humans only when they feel threatened unless you look delicious (humor). But on a serious note, we cannot deny that fact, there have been reports of Tiger killing people in rural places, so it is best to stay away from their territory. If you come across such situations, it is best to walk backward, constantly eyeing the Tiger, as mentioned earlier, as they mostly kill in ambush.
19. Tiger cannot purr
Some instances mention Tigers do purr (occasionally) but this is probably done just for argument’s sake. Although, Tiger do make other loud noises (not purring). However, other wild cats like Cheetahs and Jaguars can purr but only when they exhale, but if it is an actual purr or something else, the question remains.
To show contentment or calmness, these species tend to close their eyes (even domestic cats) showing their comfort level and safe feeling.
They have paws equipped each with 5 cm long claws that seem like blades, and can swipe with both at the same time, with a devastating impact that could fracture or even crush skulls of even 5 times larger animals such as buffaloes;
Also can cross rivers up to 7 km and swim for long distances up to 30 km in a single day;
They can kill animals making 5 times their weight, such as water buffaloes and even gaurs (the largest wild cattle in the world), making it a very challenging rival even for elephants and rhinos (for Bengal tigers) or bears (for Siberian tigers);
Tigers are known to have the biggest brains of all pantherine species, and this allows them to be stealthy and develop different hunting techniques, in particular, which is the best way to attack any animal by detecting its Achilles heel.
Aren’t they amazing?
People Also Ask
Where do tigers live?
Tiger primarily live in Asia, with their range spanning from Russia to Indonesia. Each subspecies has its preferred habitat, from tropical rainforests to grasslands and mangroves.
How many tigers are left in the wild?
Sadly, tiger is endangered, with only around 3,900 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-animal conflict are the main threats to their survival.
What are some conservation efforts for tiger?
Many organizations worldwide are working to protect tiger and their habitats. These efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and public education campaigns.
How fast can tiger run?
Tiger can reach speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h) in short bursts, making them one of the fastest land animals.
Are tigers good swimmers?
Yes, tigers are excellent swimmers and often enjoy cooling off in rivers and lakes. Some even hunt aquatic prey like fish and crocodiles.
Do tigers live alone?
Tigers are largely solitary animals, except for mothers raising their cubs. Males have larger territories and typically only come into contact with females during mating season.
What do tigers eat?
Tigers are apex predators and hunt a variety of large mammals, such as deer, wild boars, and even buffalo. They are incredibly stealthy and powerful hunters.