Hunting in the tropical forests and mangrove swamps of southeast Asia, the powerful tiger is a stealthy predator of deer, antelope and wild boar. This nocturnal animal’s striped pattern enables it to ambush wildlife. These cats are good swimmers and can even catch prey in the water.

Tigers live far apart from each other requiring large territories. Each tiger marks their area with urine and scratch marks on the trunks of trees. Because they require such large areas, their populations are dwindling due to encroachment of farmlands and logging that shrinks the habitat available to these big cats.

Additionally, tigers have been over hunted for their fur and other body parts that are used for medicinal applications. Due to dwindling numbers, this wild cat is endangered. Only through wise conservation efforts will the world’s largest cat survive the challenges it faces.