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Post by the ADMIN* on Aug 15, 2009 14:51:56 GMT -7
››› SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera tigris.
››› SUBSPECIES: Siberian Tiger, Bengal Tigers, Indochinese Tigers, South China Tigers, and Sumatran Tigers.
››› AVERAGE LIFESPAN: 12 - 14 Years.
››› STRUCTURAL FACTS: Body size and morphology varies considerably among subspecies of tigers. Siberian tigers, also know as Amur tigers, are the largest. Male Siberian tigers can grow to 3.7 meters and weigh over 423 kg; females are up to 2.4 meters in length and 168 kg. Male Indochinese tigers, though smaller than Siberian tigers in body size at 2.85 meters in length and 195 kg, have the longest skull of all tiger subspecies, measuring 319 to 365 mm. Sumatran tigers are the smallest living subspecies. Male Sumatran tigers measure 2.34 meters and weigh 136 kg; females measure 1.98 meters and weigh 91 kg.
››› PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Tigers have a reddish-orange coat with vertical black stripes along the flanks and shoulders that vary in size, length, and spacing. Some subspecies have paler fur and some are almost fully white with either black or dark brown stripes along the flanks and shoulders. The underside of the limbs and belly, chest, throat, and muzzle are white or light. The tail is reddish-orange and ringed with several dark bands. Tigers have short, thick necks, broad shoulders, and massive forelimbs, ideal for grappling with prey while holding on with long retractible claws.
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