Amur tiger
Panthera tigris altaica
The Amur tiger is an all-weather feline predator. It is not afraid of snow or frost and it loves to swim. This northernmost tiger subspecies is, along with the Indian tiger, the world’s largest feline predator. All tiger subspecies are endangered. The biggest reason for this is poaching for their furs and bones.
The Amur tiger’s mating season is in the winter and the cubs are usually born in the spring after three months in the womb. Sometimes, the male may spend time with the female and cubs, even though the tiger is primarily a solitary animal. The tiger’s stripes serve as camouflage when it stalks its prey in the long grass.
Conservation
This species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP. The aim of the EEP is to maintain a healthy zoo population of the species, and to make reintroductions to the wild possible in the future if needed.
Amur tiger is part of the CITES convention, which regulates the international trade of endangered or threatened animals and plants.
Korkeasaari Zoo has an ongoing project to support the conservation of Amur tigers.
Cat Valley
EAZA Ex-situ Programme
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Lifespan
Up to 15 years
Scientific classification
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae