Every year on 29th July, many animal charities and organisations get behind International Tiger Day to help raise awareness of the worrying decline in wild tigers, who are at risk of extinction and celebrate how vital Tiger conservation is.
There are almost 3,900 wild tigers worldwide – a number that’s growing, thanks to the work of tiger protectors and charities like WWF.
Of course, being in our name, it’s no secret that we love tigers – and our namesake friend features on several of our kids organic clothing designs. So, in the spirit of all things tiger, let’s find out some more about these big, beautiful cats – facts the kids will love!
1. Tigers can mate with other big cats
Ever heard of a Tigon? That’s what you get when a male tiger mates with a female lion. How about a liger? That’s the offspring of a male lion and a female tiger. Tigons are the largest cat species, and they can be found in countries including the USA, China, Russia and India.
2. Tigers have magic spit
Tigers’ saliva is antiseptic – perfect for licking any wounds to avoid infection. How clever!
3. Watch out… tigers are fast
While not the fastest big cat, you wouldn’t want to be in a race with a tiger – they can reach speeds at nearly 40 miles an hour!
4. Stripes aren’t just on tiger’s fur
Stripes go all the way from a tiger’s fur to their skin – if they had a bald spot, you’d still see their stripes. This is true with most cats – even our house cats.
5. Tiger stripes are unique
Just like our fingerprints are one of a kind, the stripey pattern on a tiger’s glorious silky coat is unique, and you won’t find another the same.
6. Tigers like to come out at night
Most tigers are nocturnal so, while we’re sleeping, tigers will be on patrol to avoid humans and hunt their prey.
7. Tigers love water
Tigers can swim for hours and love spending time in the water – not like the domestic cat! And as adults, it is said that they can swim for several kilometres and even have reported one to swim for 30 km in just a day.
8. India is home to most wild tigers
70% of total tigers can be found in India. Every four years, India counts the number of wild tigers, and, thankfully, it’s promising news. In 2006, there were 1,411, which went up to 2,226 in 2014. At the last count, in 2019, the number of tigers was 2,967.
FAQ about International Tiger Day
Q: When is International Tiger Day?
A: International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is celebrated annually on July 29th.
Q: Why is International Tiger Day celebrated?
A: International Tiger Day aims to raise awareness about the conservation of tigers and their habitats, as well as to promote efforts to protect this endangered species from extinction.
Q: How many tigers are left in the world?
A: According to the latest estimates, there are approximately 3,900 wild tigers left in the world.
Q: What are the main threats to tigers?
A: The main threats to tigers include habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.
Q: What can I do to help save tigers?
A: You can help save tigers by supporting conservation organisations, spreading awareness about tiger conservation, avoiding products made from tiger parts, and supporting sustainable practices that protect tiger habitats.
Q: Are tigers endangered?
A: Yes, tigers are endangered. They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Q: How many tiger species are there?
A: There are currently six subspecies of tigers: Bengal tiger, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tiger, Siberian tiger, South China tiger, and Sumatran tiger.
Q: Where can I see tigers in the wild?
A: Tigers can be found in various countries across Asia, including India, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Nepal. However, due to their endangered status, seeing tigers in the wild can be challenging and requires careful planning with reputable eco-tourism operators.
Q: What is the biggest tiger species?
A: The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is the largest tiger species, with males weighing up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and measuring over 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
Q: How fast can tigers run?
A: Tigers are incredibly fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour) in short bursts.
Q: Can tigers swim?
A: Yes, tigers are excellent swimmers and are known to traverse bodies of water to catch prey or to simply cool off during hot weather.