Ethology and tigers

There was a study done in tigers held in captivity at zoos and the animals pacing behavior. Tigers and lions were placed into different habitats, where their daily behavior patterns were observed. It was seen that the tigers spent various amounts of time pacing in each different exhibit. “These differences suggest changes to the cats' immediate housing environment may decrease pacing but provide little insight into altering specifics. Carnivores' pacing relates to their inability to control sensory access to social partners. Both environments with increased pacing contained chain-link fencing, allowing uncontrolled sensory contact.” (April, 2007.) So, it is limiting the animal’s senses in a way and this study has shown that is linked with the amount of pacing that these carnivores do.

Speceisim and tigers

 I think the biggest aspect of speciesism with Tigers is the fact that they are hunted, and their fur is used as rugs, fashion, or a sort of treasure symbol. The bones of a tiger are crushed up and used in wine that is sold at Safaris in China, and the bones are even used in medicine that supposedly is a cure for rheumatism, which causes aches and pains like arthritis, but affects the joints and connective tissue. According to an article I read, “China has about 5,000 tigers in privately-run tiger farms, which have admitted stockpiling tiger carcasses in the hope that the 14-year old trade ban will be lifted.” ( Oryx, Oct. 2007 ) It is hard to believe that we would collect dogs and cats on a farm only to harvest them for their bones. I think that tigers are treated with cruelty in society because they are basically thought of as only a product. It could be argued that tigers could possibly be treated in the same inhumane manner that people consider farm animals to be treated. Chinese medicine, whether it be ancient or not, used every part of the tiger as some remedy. It only shows a piece of how the tiger is viewed, as its viewed as what uses it has for healing.

Current social perceptions of tigers

 In today’s society, there are still a lot of negative views on tigers as dangerous animals, which they are; therehas been media coverage of tiger attacks – mainly with exotic pets or tigers used in magic shows. Also, now there is a problem of this species becoming extinct due to poaching, prey decreasing, and habitat loss. Today, tigers are used for their fur and bones, and the depletion of the species is mainly due to poaching. I believe the media coverage of all the attacks or accidents that have happened is what fuels the negative limelight.

The social history/domestication of tigers

Tigers are solitary animals that chose their territory and its size based on their available prey. They usually also live in separate territories; the territory also has to be close to a body of water. This wild, exotic animal has remained that way, for this animal is not typically domesticated. It is clear the world has tried through entertainment and as pets. When kept as pets or used in magic shows perhaps they are thought to be domesticated, but there have been tragedies in magic acts and in other instances. This tragedies go to show that such an animal never loses its instinctive nature no matter how long you have bonded or have taught it commands, etc.

The biggest threat to their species is civilization, the loss of their habitats, and being poached.

They are built predators, but in actuality they miss more of their prey then they catch them. They hunt by stalking and trying to surprise attack the prey from behind. Typically, they live up to fifteen years in the wild, but it has been heard of a tiger reaching up to twenty-six years.

The Tiger

I have decided to research the history of the tiger, or Panthera (the Genus classification) species. This animal by large is considered to be an exotic animal, and one that is native to other regions of the world. The only chance we have to see a Tiger in the United States is by going to the zoo, for it is more native to regions in Asia.   


Status: Endangered
Population: as few as 3,200
Weight: 220-660 lbs
Length: 4-10 ft
Habitats: Tropical rainforest, evergreen forest, mangrove swamps, grasslands, savannas, and temperate forest


Tigers are typically solitary animals that hunt alone, and these animals typically rely on their sight and sound senses. They usually give birth to around two to three cubs and that is roughly around every two years, but if all the cubs of the litter die then a second litter can occur as soon as five months later. The biggest problem tigers face is the morality rate for the young is high, as most do not make it past two years.

The different classifications of tigers: 

P. tigris altaica (Siberian, Amur or Northeast China tiger)
Typically range in south east Russia and north east China
There is estimated to be about 430-500 which maybe in China; forty years ago, it was estimated as low as 24 in Russia.

P. tigris amoyensis (South China tiger)
Range in China
It is estimated to be around 20-30 (may be fewer or even extinct) across broad range which includes a large amount of reserves.

P. tigris corbetti (Indochinese tiger)
Range in south  China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia

It is estimated around 100-200 in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos
250-600 in Thailand
600-650 in peninsular Malaysia
200-300 in Vietnam

P. tigris sumatrae (Sumatran tiger)
Range in Indonesia
Estimated around 400-500 animals mainly located in the five national parks.

P. tigris tigris (Bengal tiger)
Range in  India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and north west Myanmar
Estimated around 3,600-4,700 living in over 100 protected areas, but these numbers are skeptical.

The extinct species of tigers: 

P. tigris (Bali tiger)
Ranged in Indonesia
Considered extinct in the 1940s

P. tigris sondaica (Javan tiger)
Ranged in Indonesia
Considered extinct in 1980s

P. tigris virgata (Caspian tiger)
Ranged in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Mongolia, Russia
Officially declared extinct in 1970s