The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a subspecies of tiger that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is the most numerous tiger subspecies, with an estimated population of 2,500 individuals in the wild.
The Bengal tiger is one of the largest cats in the world, with adult males weighing up to 220-660 pounds (100-300 kg) and measuring 8-10 feet (2.5-3 meters) in length. Females are smaller, weighing 220-350 pounds (100-160 kg) and measuring 7-9 feet (2-2.7 meters) in length. The coat of the Bengal tiger is orange with black stripes, and the underbelly is white. The stripes are unique to each individual and can be used to identify individual tigers. The ears are black with white spots, and the eyes are a bright yellow color.
The Bengal tiger is primarily found in India, with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps. It is a solitary animal that requires large areas of forest to survive.
The Bengal tiger is a carnivore, and its diet consists mainly of ungulates such as deer and wild pigs. It is a solitary hunter that uses its excellent hearing and vision to locate prey. The Bengal tiger is also an excellent swimmer and has been known to swim across large rivers.
The Bengal tiger is a territorial animal and marks its territory with urine, feces, and scratches on trees. Males have larger territories than females and will defend their territory against other males.
The Bengal tiger is listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population trend. The main threats to the species are habitat loss, prey depletion, and poaching. The Indian government has taken steps to protect the species, including establishing protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The population of Bengal tigers has shown a slight increase in recent years, but continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
