Animal
Amur tiger
This striped, solitary cat from Far Eastern forests hunts by ambush and swims well.
Content language
An Amur tiger's winter coat is longer and paler than its reddish-orange summer fur. Dark stripes help conceal its outline against the surroundings. Also known as the Siberian tiger, this animal inhabits the forests of the Asian Far East. It uses deciduous and mixed woodland, often near rivers and streams. Cool forest offers a different environment from the tropical places associated with many tigers.
This large cat leads a solitary life. It occupies an extensive area, and a male's range may encompass the smaller territories of several females. It hunts mainly by ambush, approaching prey rather than pursuing it over a long distance. Large hoofed mammals, including wild boar and deer, are important food. The tiger swims well and readily uses water.
A female cares for her cubs for a long time before they begin independent lives. Wild tigers need both safe habitat and enough animals to hunt. Poaching, forest loss and dwindling prey threaten their survival. Keeping the trees alone is not enough if the animals the tiger feeds on disappear from the forest.
For children
The Amur tiger lives in cool Asian forests. It is also called the Siberian tiger. In winter it grows longer, paler fur. Dark stripes help it hide as it moves among plants.
It usually lives alone and needs a large area. It hunts by ambush, trying to approach its prey without being noticed. Its food includes wild boar and deer. Unlike the familiar picture of cats avoiding a bath, this cat swims well and likes water.
A tigress cares for her cubs for a long time. They stay with her before starting independent lives. The forest must provide both food and shelter. Poachers and logging threaten these cats, and when wild hoofed animals become scarce, a tiger finds it harder to obtain a suitable meal.
Question 1 of 2
How does an Amur tiger usually hunt?
- Location
- Enclosure marked with the animal’s name within the zoo