Tigers are one of the most popular animals in the world. They are also one of the most dangerous. Not only are tigers amazing hunters, but tigers may detect other tigers’ reproductive status, gender, and age by smelling their pee. Additionally, it is less likely to kill you if you stare a tiger in the eyes.
With that said, here are five cool facts about tigers:
Modern tigers are thought to have originated from an ancient carnivore called Miacid, which existed over 62 million years ago. Despite the vast time difference, there are striking resemblances between Miacids and modern tigers, such as their four legs, patterned fur, and tail.
The ancestors of tigers originated in Africa and are members of the Felidae family of cats. Cheetahs, lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars are all members of the family, some of which do reside in the African plains.
Fossils of ancient tigers have been discovered in China, Java, and Sumatra, while a 700,000-year-old fossil was found in Russia, and a 10,000-year-old one was found in India.
Evidence of early tigers can also be seen through sculpted tiger seals from the Indus Valley civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, which date back to approximately 2500 to 1700 BC.
Mayankkatiyar – Public Domain
What is the average lifespan of a tiger in the wild?
Tigers are able to inhabit a wide range of environments, including rainforests, grasslands, savannas, and even mangrove swamps. However, it is concerning that 93% of the areas where tigers historically lived have vanished due to human expansion being the main cause.
Currently, only the 13 nations of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Russia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are home to the last tigers. In just India, more than 70% of the world’s wild tiger population resides.
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