South China Tiger Facts (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
This subspecies is critically endangered and is found in zoos and in South China, where it is possibly extinct in the wild.
fun and interesting facts about the South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) For kids
Extremely Rare: The South China tiger is considered the most critically endangered tiger subspecies, and it is feared to be extinct in the wild, with no confirmed sightings for several decades.
Cultural Icon: Historically, this tiger was known in China as the “King of the Mountains” and was revered in Chinese culture.
Distinctive Looks: The South China tiger has a unique appearance with a lighter orange coat and fewer, more widely spaced stripes compared to other tiger subspecies.
Small Size: They are one of the smaller tiger subspecies, which made them particularly agile in the forested hills of Southern China.
Conservation Efforts: Efforts are ongoing to try to reintroduce these tigers from captivity into the wild, focusing on training captive tigers to live and hunt in their natural habitat.
These facts shed light on the plight and characteristics of the South China tiger, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to save this subspecies from extinction.
About the South China Tiger subspecies: Panthera Tigris Amoyensis
- Location: This subspecies is critically endangered and is found in zoos and in South China, where it is possibly extinct in the wild.
- Stripe Pattern: The stripes are particularly narrow and evenly spaced.
- Color: They have a lighter underbelly and a darker orange coat.
The South China tiger is one of the most critically endangered tiger subspecies.
The South China tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris amoyensis, is one of the most critically endangered tiger subspecies.
It is native to the central and eastern regions of China. Today, it is estimated that only a few individuals remain in the wild, making it one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet.
Threats
Similar to other tiger subspecies, the South China tiger faces severe threats to its survival.
Habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and logging have greatly impacted their population.
The destruction of forests and the fragmentation of their habitats have left the South China tiger with limited resources and a reduced prey base.
Poaching has been integral to the decline in population
Poaching has also played a significant role in the decline of the South China tiger population.
Their exquisite fur and body parts are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade markets. Traditional Chinese medicine also contributes to demand for tiger parts, as some believe they possess medicinal properties.
These factors have led to the relentless poaching of South China tigers, driving them to the brink of extinction.
Why Conservation is hard for the South China Tiger
Conservation efforts for the South China tiger are challenging due to their critically low population size.
Captive breeding programs have been initiated to increase their numbers and establish a genetically diverse population.
Indochinese Tiger; subspecies: Panthera Tigris Corbetti
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.
