Bengal Tiger
India's most numerous tiger subspecies, and a symbol of wild India.
Introduction
The Bengal tiger is the most numerous of the tiger subspecies and the only one found in India. It is a large, heavily built cat with an orange coat striped in black.
Physical characteristics
Adults weigh between 90 and 220 kilograms, with males heavier than females. The coat is orange with black vertical stripes, and the underside is cream. Tigers have a pale, expressive marking on the cheek.
Habitat
They need large territories with water, dense cover and a reliable prey base. In India they range across the Himalayan foothills, the gangetic plains, the Western Ghats and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans.
Diet
Tigers hunt deer, gaur, wild boar and sometimes water buffalo. Most hunts happen at night or in the cool hours near dawn.
Behaviour
They are solitary and territorial, marking their range with scent and scratch marks. A mother cares for cubs alone, and the cubs stay with her for about two years.
Conservation status
Listed as Endangered. Habitat loss, and the reduction of prey, are the main pressures. India's tigers are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.