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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
Population: 1841-2463 individuals
Background
© Neel Cogate / WWF India
The Bengal 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. 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 about 2,000 Bengal tigers surviving in the wild.
WWF has been working with local partners to strengthen antipoaching 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 550 pounds and measures nearly nine feet from head to the tip of the tail.
Color
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 color.
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.
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
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