The Bengal Tiger, an Endangered Species
This Big Cat Faces Extinction at the Hands of "Humanity"
Sep 24, 2009
Beautiful and majestic, the Bengal tiger, also known as the Royal Bengal tiger or Indian tiger, is worshiped by some, protected by others, loved by many, and killed by more. It is the most common tiger sub-species, with the Indo-Chinese tiger coming in a far second. Yet, according to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), there are only "around 2,000 Indian tigers surviving in the wild." Like their brethren, Bengal tigers are victims of human encroachment. And if it doesn't stop, their kind will continue to dwindle until they are no more.
What is a Bengal Tiger?
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the national animal of Bangladesh. Second only to the Siberian (Amur) tiger in size, male Bengal tigers average eight to ten feet in length (head to tail) and can weigh up to 600 lbs. On average, females are approximately one foot shorter than males and have much more slender physiques, weighing little more than half as much as their male counterparts. Like all tigers, Bengal tigers have retractable claws, padded feet, strong jaws, and canines larger than any other big cat's. Their tails are nearly three feet long.
The most common coloration of Bengal tigers ranges from pale orange to reddish-orange, with black stripes and a white underbelly. Contrary to popular belief, most white tigers are Bengal tigers, not Siberian tigers. These white tigers may have brown or black stripes, and some have been reported as having no stripes at all.
Bengal tigers live mostly solitary lives. They reach sexual maturity by age four, and litters produce two to four cubs. Males do not assist in child-rearing. Though much bigger than house cats, their lifespans are not, averaging 15 years.
Where Do Bengal Tigers Live?
Bengal tigers are most prevalent in India, where nearly three-quarters of their kind can be found. However, these powerful felines exist sporadically in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Myanmar. According to the WWF, Bengal tigers mostly inhabit "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." Additionally, the Sunderban mangroves in Bangladesh and India are the only mangrove forests where a tiger sub-species is found. Bengal tigers are found in both high and low-altitude climates.
What Do Bengal Tigers Eat?
Bengal tigers are strictly meat eaters. They prey on medium and large-sized mammals, including gaur, deer (chital, muntjac, etc.), wild boars, badgers, and water buffalo. Some have been known to eat monkeys and, yes, the occasional human. The tigers are nocturnal, and will gorge themselves with larger prey, not knowing when they will dine next.
Why are Bengal Tigers Endangered?
According to the WWF, 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."
Likewise, poaching is a serious problem. All tiger sub-species have been hunted by humans since ancient times. Per the WWF, "tigers are poisoned, shot, trapped and snared, and the majority of these animals are sought to meet the demands of a continuing illegal wildlife trade - which includes traditional Chinese medicine." Between 1999 and 2003, says Defenders of Wildlife, poachers in India alone "slaughtered more than 100 tigers and by late 2004 had wiped out all 28 in the world-famous Sariska tiger reserve."
What can be Done to Protect Bengal Tigers?
India has worked diligently to conserve its Bengal tigers. It created reserves and an anti-poaching regime. The Wildlife Protection Society of India conducts research necessary to preserving the sub-species and its habitat. India is re-introducing tigers to its Sariska reserve. Perhaps, however, the country should have done more to prevent poachers from killing the reserve's tigers, national icons for India and sources of tourist income, in the first place.
But India's government is trying, and enforcement of endangered species laws is not easy. The WWF believes that preserving particular tiger habitats and creating tiger reserves are the best methods to preserving the species. The organization "aims to establish and manage effective tiger conservation areas, reduce the poaching of tigers and their prey, eliminate the trade in tiger parts and products, create incentives that will encourage local communities and others to support tiger conservation, and build capacity for tiger conservation."
Bengal tigers need conservation now. Reserves need to be protected. As they are the most numerous tiger sub-species, they are most capable of recovery. If the Bengal tiger cannot be saved, the species as a whole is as good as dead.
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