There are six subspecies of tigers, but all are generally territorial and solitary animals, requiring large areas to hunt and live. They are usually identified by their orange, white and black stripe patterns, which serve as camouflage in long grass, but can also be tan and black, white and tan or all white.

Natural hunters, tigers can stalk their prey for up to 30 minutes. As carnivores, their large canine teeth, powerful jaws and sandpaper-rough tongues help them to catch and eat their prey. Usually killing once or twice a week, tigers eat what they can and hide the rest, returning later for leftovers. Their natural abilities allow them to prey on large animals, such as elephants and rhinos, as well.

Tigers can live up to 15 to 20 years in the wild and up to 26 years in captivity. Their gestation period lasts about 100 days.

All tiger subspecies are endangered due to habitat destruction, fragmentation and hunting.

Found throughout Asia in various climates, their range has been restricted to isolated pockets reaching parts of southeastern Siberia, India and western China.