A vibrant orange tiger with bold black stripes lies resting in a patch of green plants and autumn leaves, looking directly toward the camera.

AsiaMammalsEndangered

Bengal Tiger

Where Bengal Tigers Live

Continent: Asia

Tropical forests, mangroves, grasslands, and temperate forests across Asia, from India and Southeast Asia to the Russian Far East.

The tiger is the largest of all wild cat species, instantly recognizable by its bold orange and black striped coat, a pattern as unique to each individual as a fingerprint. Found across fragmented forests and grasslands from India to Russia and Sumatra, it's a powerful, solitary ambush predator. Tigers rely on stealth and camouflage rather than speed for hunting, and are excellent swimmers. Poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict have reduced the species to under 4,000 individuals in the wild.

The silhouette of Asia map on the white background.

Asia

Quick Facts

LengthUp to 3.3 m (11 ft) including tail

WeightMales up to 300 kg (660 lb) for the largest subspecies

Lifespan10 to 15 years wild, up to 20 in some cases

SpeedNot a long distance sprinter, relies on ambush

DietDeer, wild boar, and other large ungulates

Clutch2 to 4 cubs per litter, gestation about 100 to 105 days

Population icon

PopulationUnder 4,000 individuals

RangeFragmented forests across Asia

Conservation Status

EXExtinct

EWExtinct in the Wild

CRCritically Endangered

ENEndangered

VUVulnerable

NTNear Threatened

LCLeast Concern

NENot Evaluated

How Bengal Tigers Survive in the Wild

A side-view shot capturing an adult tiger mid-air as it leaps dynamically across a rocky, dry riverbed over a fallen tree branch. Its orange coat is covered in dense black vertical stripes, and its tail extends horizontally for balance.

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Stripes Go Skin Deep

A tiger's stripe pattern is unique to each individual and remains visible even on shaved skin, since it comes from skin pigmentation, not just fur.

A close-up view of an adult tiger's head against a dark background. The tiger looks directly forward with amber eyes, prominent black facial stripes, white fur detailing around the cheeks and chin, and a slightly open mouth exposing its lower teeth and pink gums.

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Stalk, Then Charge

They rely on stealth and camouflage to stalk within striking distance before a short, explosive charge, rather than long chases.

A front-facing shot of a tiger swimming through rippling, dark green water. The tiger’s head is partially submerged with its chin resting at the water line, white whiskers spreading outward, and dark eyes looking straight ahead while its striped back curves behind it in the water.

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Strong Swimmers

Tigers are strong swimmers, sometimes drowning prey or crossing rivers that other big cats avoid.

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Social Lives of Bengal Tigers

A tiger caught mid-stride or crouched in a hunting stance on dry ground with sparse green shoots. Its body is angled diagonally while its head turns straight toward the viewer, showing its white whiskers, open mouth, and thick black body stripes over an orange coat.

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Solitary Territory Markers

Tigers are solitary, marking large territories with scent and scratch marks to avoid direct conflict with rivals.

An adult tiger rests on a grassy lawn strewn with autumn leaves, looking directly forward. A small tiger cub lies comfortably over the mother's back, resting its chest and front legs on her shoulders while gazing in the same direction.

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Overlapping Territories

A male's territory typically overlaps with those of several females, though actual encounters remain infrequent.

A tiny, young tiger cub lying flat on a grey stone surface. The cub opens its pink mouth wide as if calling out or squeaking, showcasing its soft facial fur, tiny claws, and faintly striped infant coat under soft, bright lighting.

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Two Years With Mom

Cubs stay with their mother for about two years, learning to hunt before dispersing to establish their own territory.

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Photo Gallery

A front-facing portrait of a young tiger cub nestled in lush green leafy plants in front of a textured rock wall. The cub's large ears, delicate black face stripes, and light amber eyes are featured prominently as it rests its right front paw forward on the ground.

An adult tiger rests on a grassy lawn strewn with autumn leaves, looking directly forward. A small tiger cub lies comfortably over the mother's back, resting its chest and front legs on her shoulders while gazing in the same direction.

A tiger caught mid-stride or crouched in a hunting stance on dry ground with sparse green shoots. Its body is angled diagonally while its head turns straight toward the viewer, showing its white whiskers, open mouth, and thick black body stripes over an orange coat.

A close-up view of an adult tiger's head against a dark background. The tiger looks directly forward with amber eyes, prominent black facial stripes, white fur detailing around the cheeks and chin, and a slightly open mouth exposing its lower teeth and pink gums.

A side-view shot capturing an adult tiger mid-air as it leaps dynamically across a rocky, dry riverbed over a fallen tree branch. Its orange coat is covered in dense black vertical stripes, and its tail extends horizontally for balance.

A tiny, young tiger cub lying flat on a grey stone surface. The cub opens its pink mouth wide as if calling out or squeaking, showcasing its soft facial fur, tiny claws, and faintly striped infant coat under soft, bright lighting.

A full-body view of an adult tiger resting among green plants and foliage. The tiger lies on its side with its head raised toward the camera, showing a white facial ruff around its cheeks, black-tipped ears with white spots on the back, and a vibrant orange coat with black stripes.

A close-up interaction between an adult tiger and her cub lying close together in green grass. The adult tiger in the foreground licks her upper lip with a pink tongue, while the smaller cub nestles right alongside her cheek, looking softly toward the camera.

A front-facing shot of a tiger swimming through rippling, dark green water. The tiger’s head is partially submerged with its chin resting at the water line, white whiskers spreading outward, and dark eyes looking straight ahead while its striped back curves behind it in the water.

A front-angle, full-body shot of a large adult tiger walking along an unpaved dirt path flanked by greenery. The tiger steps forward with a steady gait, looking straight ahead with a relaxed expression, its mouth slightly open and tongue visible.

Flashcards