Tigers are one of the most iconic big cats in the world, known for their power, grace, and striking striped coats. While commonly recognized as a single species, the tiger (Panthera tigris) has several subspecies, each uniquely adapted to their environment. From the vast Siberian forests to the tropical islands of Indonesia, these majestic predators vary in size, coat color, and behavior.
This guide explores 9 types of tigers—both living and extinct—including details on their physical features, habitats, diets, and survival status. Understanding these subspecies helps highlight the urgency of conservation efforts to protect the few remaining wild tigers today.
1. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
The Bengal Tiger is the most numerous tiger subspecies and one of the most well-known big cats in the world. Revered in Indian culture and mythology, it symbolizes strength and grace.
Identification
- Size: Males 9–10 ft long, females 8–9 ft (including tail)
- Weight: Males 400–570 lbs, females 220–350 lbs
- Color: Orange coat with black stripes; white underbelly
- Features: Broad head, muscular body, and piercing yellow or amber eyes
Habitat and Range
Found primarily in India, with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Prefers tropical forests, mangroves (like Sundarbans), grasslands, and subtropical forests.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Carnivorous—feeds on deer (like chital and sambar), wild boar, water buffalo, and sometimes smaller animals or birds. Hunts primarily at night using stealth, camouflage, and a powerful ambush attack.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and territorial. Males control large territories that overlap with several females. Uses scent markings and vocalizations to communicate. Plays a critical role in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. Bengal Tigers are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
2. Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Also known as the Amur Tiger, the Siberian Tiger is the largest of all tiger subspecies and is adapted to cold, snowy environments.
Identification
- Size: Males 10–12 ft long, females 8–10 ft (including tail)
- Weight: Males 450–660 lbs, females 300–400 lbs
- Color: Pale orange coat with fewer, paler stripes and thick, dense fur
- Features: Massive head, large paws, and a thick layer of fat for insulation
Habitat and Range
Native to the Russian Far East, especially the Sikhote-Alin mountain range. Also found in limited numbers in northeastern China and potentially North Korea.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Feeds on wild boar, deer (sika and red deer), elk, and occasionally bears. Hunts by ambush and requires large territories due to low prey density.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and territorial. Extremely elusive and shy around humans. Conservation efforts in Russia have helped stabilize the population, but illegal poaching and habitat encroachment remain threats.
3. Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)
The Indochinese Tiger is a shy and elusive subspecies found in the forests and hills of Southeast Asia.
Identification
- Size: Males 8–9.5 ft long, females 7.5–8.5 ft
- Weight: Males 330–430 lbs, females 220–300 lbs
- Color: Darker orange coat with narrower and more closely spaced stripes
- Features: Slender build with proportionally longer legs
Habitat and Range
Found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of Myanmar and southwestern China. Inhabits remote mountainous forests and tropical regions.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Preys on wild pigs, deer, cattle, and smaller mammals. Uses stealth and ambush tactics, often hunting in densely forested areas.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and secretive. Populations have declined sharply due to habitat destruction, poaching, and lack of prey. Conservation efforts are ongoing, though sightings are rare.
4. Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
The Malayan Tiger is a critically endangered subspecies found only in the Malay Peninsula. It was officially classified as distinct from the Indochinese Tiger in 2004.
Identification
- Size: Males 7.5–8.5 ft long, females 6.5–7.5 ft
- Weight: Males 220–300 lbs, females 160–240 lbs
- Color: Dark orange coat with narrow, closely spaced black stripes
- Features: Smaller and more compact compared to other subspecies
Habitat and Range
Restricted to the tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Prefers dense lowland rainforests and riverine forests.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Feeds on wild boar, sambar deer, and other small to medium-sized prey. Often hunts in thick jungle underbrush using stealth and cover.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and territorial. Numbers have dropped to fewer than 150 individuals due to habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict. Protected under Malaysian law with urgent conservation programs in place.
5. South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
The South China Tiger is considered functionally extinct in the wild and is one of the most critically endangered tiger subspecies.
Identification
- Size: Males 8–8.5 ft long, females 7.5–8 ft
- Weight: Males 300–400 lbs, females 220–270 lbs
- Color: Bright orange coat with broad, widely spaced stripes
- Features: Compact build with a relatively short, broad skull
Habitat and Range
Historically found in central and eastern China’s forests and hills. No confirmed wild sightings have occurred for decades.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Historically preyed on deer, wild pigs, and smaller mammals. Likely used dense forest for cover and ambush hunting.
Social Structure and Behavior
Formerly solitary and territorial. Current population exists only in captivity, mainly in Chinese breeding programs. Reintroduction efforts are being explored using reserves and rewilding strategies.
6. Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest surviving tiger subspecies and is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals in the wild.
Identification
- Size: Males 7–8 ft long, females 6.5–7.5 ft
- Weight: Males 220–310 lbs, females 165–243 lbs
- Color: Dark orange coat with thick, closely spaced black stripes
- Features: Broad snout, long whiskers, and a dense coat adapted for humid forests
Habitat and Range
Endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Prefers tropical lowland and montane forests, peat swamps, and upland rainforests.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Feeds on wild pigs, deer, monkeys, and birds. Hunts by stalking and ambushing in dense vegetation.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and elusive. Highly territorial. Threatened by deforestation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation programs focus on habitat protection and anti-poaching patrols.
7. Caspian Tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) — Extinct
The Caspian Tiger, once the third-largest tiger subspecies, was native to Central Asia and is now extinct.
Identification
- Size: Males up to 10 ft long, females slightly smaller
- Weight: Males up to 530 lbs
- Color: Pale, yellowish-orange coat with narrow, sparse stripes
- Features: Powerful build with relatively short limbs
Habitat and Range
Historically found in the forested river valleys and reed beds around the Caspian Sea, including regions of Iran, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and western China.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Fed on wild boar, deer, and livestock. Used river corridors for movement and hunting.
Social Structure and Behavior
Likely solitary and territorial. Became extinct by the 1970s due to hunting, habitat loss, and declining prey. Genetic studies show close relation to the Siberian Tiger, raising possibilities for rewilding using Amur tigers.
8. Javan Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) — Extinct
The Javan Tiger was a small island subspecies once found on the Indonesian island of Java. It was declared extinct in the 1980s.
Identification
- Size: Males 7.5–8 ft long, females 6.5–7.5 ft
- Weight: Males 220–310 lbs, females 165–250 lbs
- Color: Deep orange coat with closely spaced black stripes
- Features: Small body size, narrow face, and long tail
Habitat and Range
Existed in Java’s tropical forests, grasslands, and lowland jungles. Preferred rugged terrain and remote regions away from human activity.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Fed on banteng, muntjac, wild pigs, and birds. Relied on stealth and dense vegetation for hunting.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary. Became extinct due to deforestation, human settlement expansion, hunting, and depletion of prey species. No confirmed sightings since the 1970s, though unverified reports persist occasionally.
9. Bali Tiger (Panthera tigris balica) — Extinct
The Bali Tiger was the smallest of all tiger subspecies and was native to the Indonesian island of Bali. It was declared extinct in the 1940s.
Identification
- Size: Males 7–7.5 ft long, females 6–6.5 ft
- Weight: Males 200–220 lbs, females 150–170 lbs
- Color: Rich orange coat with sparse, dark stripes
- Features: Small, lean body with short fur and rounded face
Habitat and Range
Restricted to the tropical forests and mountains of Bali. Occupied lowland and upland habitats in relatively small home ranges.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Fed on small deer (like the Javan rusa), wild boar, and monkeys. Hunted in forests and open areas.
Social Structure and Behavior
Solitary and elusive. Hunted to extinction by colonists and local hunters. No specimens survive in captivity, making it one of the most thoroughly lost tiger subspecies.
