10 interesting facts about tigers that you did not know
Tigers are among the most iconic creatures in the world. They are the largest cat species alive on earth to date. This untamed hunter weighs up to 306 kg (670 lb) and has a total body length of 3.3 m (11 ft). In the last century, the Tigers were forced to abandon their habitat area, and more than 93% of their species were destroyed. At the beginning of the 20th century, the world population in the wild was around 100,000. After a gradual decline in the population due to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat, it is now estimated between 3,062 and 3,948 individuals.
Here are ten interesting and unusual facts about the tiger (belonging to the Panthera family):
1. Tiger urine smells like popcorn.
Tigers are territorial animals that lead a solitary life. A tigress has a territory of 20 km (7.7 sq mi), while the male covers around 60 to 100 km (23 to 39 sq mi). To mark the beginning and end of their territories, adults scratch a tree and spray their urine that smells like buttered popcorn. From this smell, a tiger can identify the owner of the urine.
2. Tigers can’t purr.
Tigers basically belong to the cat family. But do they purr? No, they do not do it. When a tiger is happy, he narrows his eyes or closes them completely. They do this only when they feel comfortable and safe, as losing vision lowers the tigers’ defenses.
3. Tigers can mimic other animals to attract prey.
Bears and tigers often cross paths as their habitats overlap. To attract a bear, tigers mimic the sound of a bear’s prey. When the bear approaches thinking that he has found food, the tiger attacks. (that scares!)
4. All the Tigers have yellow eyes, except the white ones, they have blue eyes.
The gene for blue eyes and white fur are linked, so it is likely that white tigers have blue eyes instead of yellow. Also, the gene for blue eyes and crossed eyes are connected, so white tigers have crossed blue eyes.
5. Tigers have pointy penises.
Tigers penis can’t get erect when excited! Like male penises, they have a staff (a bone located inside) covered with spikes. The spinous bone helps “maintain the connection” between the male and female during copulation.
6. Tiger backhand can kill you
The tigers use their 10 cm long teeth to crush the throat of the victims! A single hit is enough to cause severe damage. The tiger’s front leg is robust enough to crush a bear’s skull or break its back. (precious!)
7. Tiger comes in a variety of colors
Due to the difference in a tiger’s hair color genes, its color can vary from its usual coloration of black and orange. A tiger’s fur can be white, gold, black, and even blue. Blue tigers are called Maltese tigers, but there is no evidence that a tiger with such a unique color ever existed!
8. Tiger has short-term memories.
Tigers have about 30 times longer short-term memory than humans. That means they can remember something longer and don’t forget it as quickly as we do. (Isn’t that cool?)
9. Tigers have hidden symbols on their fur.
A tiger’s forehead consists of a grouping of stripes that bears a striking similarity to the Chinese character for “king.” It gave the tiger a cultural status as a majestic animal – move over the lions!
10. Tiger mates with lions and other cats to produce hybrids
According to genetic research, male lions have the ability to have large cubs, while female lionesses have smaller cubs. When a male lion has a sexual encounter with a tigress, the result is a huge liger! A liger can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a length of 11.5 feet! A female lion and a male tiger will produce a smaller Tigon, and they weigh around 180 kg (400 lbs).