Did you know the Royal Bengal Tiger ranks among the biggest wild cats alive?
Tigers are the king of the jungle. Now if we go more specific, it's the Royal Bengal Tigers that reign as the king of all those kings (there are nine different types of tigers). Native to the Indian subcontinent, these magnificent cats are the epitome of grace, strength, and power. And if you have had the good fortune to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild, you are certainly aware of the kind of majesty that it exudes! It’s unmatched in the truest sense of the term!
For centuries, the Royal Bengal Tigers have been celebrated widely in our popular culture. And it makes us wonder what is so special about them! Is it just the striking physical appearance, or is there something more? On International Tiger Day, celebrated annually on July 29, let's learn that in detail in this article.
What primarily sets the Royal Bengal Tigers apart is their unique striping pattern. Each tiger has distinct stripes that range in color from dark brown to black, making it easier for us to distinguish between them.
A Bengal Tiger's average body weight is around 225 kg (for males) and 135 kg (for females). On the other hand, the heights are approximately 9 and 8 feet, respectively. The coat is yellow to light orange in color, while the tail is orange with black rings and the belly and the limbs' interior parts are white. These unique characteristics make them remarkably special!
The Royal Bengal Tigers have in-depth knowledge (from a young age) about their prey's anatomy. They usually aim for the neck of the animal and know where to strike for immediate death. They apply the precise amount of force that breaks the prey's spinal cord instantly. And they sometimes bite the throat as well, which also does the job within moments.
The Royal Bengal Tigers’ memory is brilliant compared to other animals and even humans. This allows them to remember various information, such as their prey's behavioral patterns, the locations of water sources, and more. And what's more interesting is they never forget faces!
Thanks to their sharp memory, these wild creatures make strategic decisions to cope with various potential threats.
Unlike other subspecies of tigers, the Royal Bengal Tigers never roar while fighting. They usually hiss and fluff.
They are remarkably fast runners as well as swimmers.
Their saliva has antiseptic properties. This is why they lick themselves after getting injured.
They can climb trees (despite their heavy body weight) for hunting.
Compared to the other subspecies, these tigers are more caring for their families.
Well, as far as wildlife is concerned, the Royal Bengal Tigers come atop the list, and for all good reasons. However, what's worrisome is their population is decreasing drastically, posing a significant threat to biodiversity. This International Tiger Day gives us a call to come together and raise our voices for tiger conservation.
