The tiger is a large cat native to much of Eurasia and South Asia. Its most recognisable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside. The species is classified in the genus Panthera with the lion, leopard, jaguar, and snow leopard. Tigers are apex predators, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and bovids. They are territorial and generally solitary but social animals, often requiring large contiguous areas of habitat that support their prey requirements. This, coupled with the fact that they are indigenous to some of the more densely populated places on Earth, has caused significant conflicts with humans.
Tigers are among the most recognisable and popular of the world's wild animals. They have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore, and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature. Tigers appear on many flags, coats of arms, and as mascots for sporting teams. The tiger is the national animal of Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and South Korea.
- Tigers are the largest members of the cat family.
- There are only about 3,500 tigers left in the wild.
- Tigers are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Tigers can weigh up to 660 pounds.
- Tigers can run up to 35 miles per hour.