Bali Tiger Facts (Panthera tigris balica) - Extinct Subspecies
The Bali tiger was found only on the Indonesian island of Bali, making it an endemic species.
fun and interesting facts about the Bali Tiger (Panthera tigris balica) - For kids
Exclusive to Bali: The Bali tiger was found only on the Indonesian island of Bali, making it an endemic species. Endemic species are plant and animal species that are found in a particular geographical region and nowhere else in the world.
Smallest Tiger Subspecies: Bali tigers were the smallest of all tiger subspecies, with males weighing up to 100 kg (220 lbs) and females even less, which suited the dense forest environments of the island.
Distinctive Stripes: They had fewer stripes than other tiger subspecies, which were darker and spaced further apart, providing excellent camouflage in their tropical forest habitat.
Diet: These tigers primarily preyed on small deer, wild boar, monkeys, and occasionally birds and fish, utilizing their small size to maneuver through the forest.
Extinction: The Bali tiger became extinct in the 1940s, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss. The last Bali tiger was reportedly killed in the late 1930s, and no Bali tiger has been seen since then.
These facts highlight the uniqueness of the Bali tiger and the tragic story of its extinction, emphasizing the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
About the Bali Tiger - Extinct Subspecies: Panthera tigris balica
- Location: Was found only on the island of Bali.
- Stripe Pattern: Their stripes were thinner and closer together than those of the larger mainland tigers.
- Color: The Bali tiger exhibited a darker fur color, often a deep orange or rust, which was effective camouflage in their forest and scrub environments.
The Bali Tiger was native to the Indonesian island of Bali and is now extinct
Bali tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris balica, was another subspecies that is now extinct. It was native to the Indonesian island of Bali.
The last confirmed sighting of a Bali tiger was in the 1930s, and it was declared extinct in the 1950s.
Habitat Loss, Hunting And Poaching Cause Extinction
Similar to other tiger subspecies, the Bali tiger faced multiple threats that led to its extinction. The main factors contributing to their decline were habitat loss and fragmentation, as a result of large-scale agriculture and deforestation.
Hunting and poaching for its magnificent fur also played a significant role in the Bali tiger’s demise.
Conservation Measures Need to Be Better
Efforts to conserve the Bali tiger were insufficient, and no captive breeding programs were established in time to save this subspecies.
Today, the Bali tiger exists only in photographs and scientific records. Its loss serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation measures to protect the remaining tiger subspecies.
Despite the loss of the Bali tiger and other extinct subspecies, there is still hope for tiger conservation.
Several other tiger subspecies, such as the Bengal tiger, Siberian tiger, and Sumatran tiger, are still present in the wild, although they are classified as endangered or critically endangered.
Bali Tiger - Extinct Subspecies: Panthera tigris balica
Bali tiger with its tamer in Ringling Bros, ca. 1915. We colorised this photo using photshop.
Tiger Species Sizes
Here’s a table ordering the 9 tiger subspecies by body size length, including average weight and country of origin:
| Subspecies | Average Body Length (Male) | Average Weight (Male) | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siberian (Amur) tiger | 270-330 cm (8.9-10.8 ft) | 180-306 kg (397-675 lb) | Russia, China, North Korea |
| Bengal tiger | 270-310 cm (8.9-10.2 ft) | 200-260 kg (440-570 lb) | India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan |
| Caspian tiger (extinct) | 270-295 cm (8.9-9.7 ft) | 170-240 kg (375-530 lb) | Central Asia, Iran, Turkey |
| Indochinese tiger | 255-285 cm (8.4-9.3 ft) | 150-195 kg (330-430 lb) | Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia |
| Malayan tiger | 237-280 cm (7.8-9.2 ft) | 120-180 kg (265-397 lb) | Malay Peninsula |
| South China tiger | 230-265 cm (7.5-8.7 ft) | 127-177 kg (280-390 lb) | South-central China |
| Javan tiger (extinct) | 220-255 cm (7.2-8.4 ft) | 100-141 kg (220-311 lb) | Java, Indonesia |
| Sumatran tiger | 220-250 cm (7.2-8.2 ft) | 100-140 kg (220-310 lb) | Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Bali tiger (extinct) | 220-230 cm (7.2-7.5 ft) | 90-100 kg (198-220 lb) | Bali, Indonesia |
This table is organized from largest to smallest based on average body length for males.
References:
- https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/tiger/characteristics
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger
- https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/tiger/characteristics/
It’s important to note that:
- Measurements can vary between individuals and studies.
- Females are generally smaller than males for all subspecies.
- The three extinct subspecies (Caspian, Javan, and Bali) are included based on historical data.
- The South China tiger is functionally extinct in the wild, with only a few individuals potentially remaining.
- Weight ranges can overlap between subspecies, and exceptional individuals may fall outside these averages.
