Amur Tiger
Panthera tigris altaica

The Amur Tiger is the largest of the 5 remaining sub-species of tiger.  It has a thick, pale coat, perfect for living in the cold forests of the Russian far-east.  It is generally a solitary cat and each individual (or family unit) will have its own territory.  Territory size will depend on the availability of food (prey species), water and shelter, and may reach up to 100 square miles for an adult Amur Tiger.  Prey species include antelope, deer and wild boar, but large prey, such as buffalo, may also be taken.

Like all tigers, the Amur Tiger is critically endangered, with possibly around 300 left.  The dual threats of illegal poaching and habitat destruction have brought this species to the brink of extinction.  Amur Tigers are also hunted for their skins and body parts.  The incentives to hunt tigers are huge, and poachers may use poison, traps, snares and guns to kill these magnificent animals.  Destruction of habitat is also a major threat to the species.  As logging companies move in, sometimes illegally, large areas of forest are removed.  Disappearing forests means disappearing prey species for the tigers.

Our Amur Tiger was born at Marwell Zoological Park on 27th August 1995.   As their genetic line is now well represented throughout the world in the international breeding programme, they are not here for breeding purposes.  We are holding them as Ambassadors for their species to raise awareness of the problems facing wild tigers.