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Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are
renowned for their power and strength.
There were eight tiger subspecies at one time, but three
became extinct during the 20th century. Over the last 100 years,
hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations
from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than
2,500. Tigers are hunted as trophies, and also for body parts
that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five
remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, and many protection
programs are in place.
Bengal tigers live in India and are sometimes called Indian
tigers. They are the most common tiger and number about half of
all wild tigers. Over many centuries they have become an
important part of Indian tradition and lore.
Almost all wild Siberian tigers live the Southeast corner of
Russia in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range east of the Amur
River. Their former range included northeastern China and the
Korean Peninsula, and as far west as Mongolia. They are the
largest of the tiger species and can grow up to 13 feet in
length and weigh up to 700 lbs.
t is estimated the wild population of Siberian tigers at around
350-450 tigers.
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