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Tigers are among the most iconic creatures in the world. They are the largest cat species alive on earth till date. This untamed Hunter weighs up to 670lb (306 kg) and has a total body length of 11 ft (3.3 m). In the past century, the Tigers were cornered to leave their area of habitat, and over 93% of their species were destroyed. At the beginning of the 20th century, the global population in the wild was around 100,000. After a gradual decline in the population due to destruction and fragmentation of their habitat, now it is estimated to be between 3,062 and 3,948 individuals.
Here are ten interesting and unusual facts about the tiger (belonging to the Panthera family):
1. Tigers’ pee smells like popcorn
Tigers’ are territorial animals leading a solitary life. A tigress has a territory of 20 km (7.7 sq. Miles), while the male covers around 60 to 100 km (23 to 39 sq. Miles). To mark their territories beginning and end, the adults scratch a tree and spray their urine which smells like buttered popcorn! From this scent, a tiger can identify the urine’s owner.
2. Tigers can’t purr
Tigers, basically belong from the cat family. But, do they purr?? No, they don’t. When a tiger is happy, they either squint or close their eyes completely. They do this only when they feel comfortable and safe as losing vision lowers tigers defenses.
3. Tigers can imitate other animals to attract their prey
Bears and tigers typically cross paths with each other since their habitats overlap. To lure a bear, tigers mimic the sound of a bears’ prey. As the bear approaches thinking it has found a meal for itself, the tiger attacks. (that’s scary!)
4. All Tigers have yellow eyes, except the white ones, have blue eyes
The gene for blue eyes and white fur is linked together, so white tigers are likely to have blue eyes than yellow. Besides, the gene of blue eyes and cross-eyes are connected, so white tigers have cross blue-eyes.
5. Tiger have spiked penises
Tigers’ penis is unable to become erect when aroused! As Male penises’ have a baculum (a bone located inside) covered with barbs. The prickly bone, aid in “keeping the connection” between male and female during copulation.
6. Tiger backhand can kill you
Tigers use their 10 cm long teeth to crush a victims’ throat! A single strike is enough to cause severe damage. Tigers front paw is robust enough to–either smash a Bears’ skull or breaks its back. (lovely!)
7. Tiger comes in variety of colors
Due to the difference in genes of hair color of a tiger, its color may vary from its usual black and orange colouration. A tigers coat can be white, gold, black and even blue. The blue tigers are called as Maltese tigers, but there is no evidence that a tiger with such a unique colouration even existed!
8. Tiger have short term memories
Tigers have a short term memory of about 30 times longer than humans. That means they can remember a thing for a longer time and do not forget as quickly as we do.(Isn’t that great?)
9. Tiger have symbols hidden in their fur
The forehead of a tiger consists grouping of stripes that bears a striking similarity to the Chinese character meaning “king.” It gave the tiger a cultural status as a majestic animal-move over lions!
10. Tiger mate with lions and other cats to produce hybrids
According to genetic research, male lions have the ability to make large off-springs whereas female lions create smaller offspring. When a male lion has a sexual encounter with a female tiger, the result is a huge liger! A liger can weigh up to 1000 lbs and reach a length of 11.5ft! A female lion and a male tiger will produce a smaller Tigon, and they weigh around 180 kg (400 lbs).
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