5 Things to Know About the Siberian Tiger

The Siberian tiger is currently an endangered species. Yet, it remains the largest feline on the planet. In the wild, it has no natural predators except humans, who have driven it to near extinction. Also known as the "Amur tiger" because it primarily inhabits the basins of the Amur and Ussuri rivers in Russia's Far East, northern China, and Korea, this majestic animal captivates with its imposing stature and beauty.

Siberian tiger in Zoo Hluboka
Siberian tiger in Zoo Hluboka. Image: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Siberian tiger can consume 50 kilograms in a single meal

An exceptional hunter, the Siberian tiger can crush a wild boar’s skull with a single bite. Fearless, it even dares to attack bears! As a result, it preys on large animals, needing about 8 kilograms of meat per day and capable of devouring up to 50 kilograms in one sitting. Generally, the Siberian tiger hunts roe deer, elk, red deer, lynx, and wild boars. It also preys on smaller animals such as badgers and hares.

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The largest feline on Earth

The Siberian tiger is the most powerful feline in the world. With its thick fur, it withstands extreme temperatures and blends into the snowy landscape. Recognizable by its black-striped coat and whitish fur on its chest and the back of its legs, it has a long and massive body. Its broad paws have claws that can reach 10 centimeters in length. Additionally, its hind legs are longer than its front legs, enabling it to leap great distances.

The Siberian tiger primarily reproduces in winter

Although Siberian tigers can mate throughout the year, reproduction occurs more frequently between November and April. A tigress is fertile for three to seven days, during which mating can occur up to 50 times per day to increase the chances of conception. During this period, the male hunts for the pair. Once mating ends, the male returns to solitude, leaving the female to raise the cubs alone. The average gestation period is 103 days, after which the tigress gives birth to two or three cubs weighing 1 to 1.5 kilograms each. By six months, the young start hunting with their mother. At one year, a male cub is already the size of an adult female. By the age of two, it can hunt large prey. However, Siberian tiger cubs usually stay with their mother until they are between three and five years old.

A solitary animal and a great traveler

To hunt, the Siberian tiger roams a vast territory ranging from 500 to 1,300 square kilometers. If food is abundant, it remains relatively sedentary. However, in times of scarcity, it will travel great distances, covering up to 50 kilometers per day. The tiger marks the boundaries of its domain by spraying urine on trees or scratching the bark with its powerful claws.

A true athletic powerhouse

The Siberian tiger is an exceptional athlete. While it walks extensively, it is also an excellent swimmer, capable of navigating even rough seas. Additionally, it excels at long jumps, leaping 6 to 11 meters forward and nearly 4 meters high without a running start. In terms of speed, it can reach an impressive 50 kilometers per hour.