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Range and Habitat: Several hundred live in the Amur-Vassuri
region, where their numbers may be increasing; less than one hundred
in northern China and Korea. Large variety of habitats, needs
only large prey, water and some cover to survive.
Habits and Adaptations: Have very large territories of
up to 1024 square km (386 square miles) due to scarcity of prey.
They are generally solitary, but young live with mother for up
to 3 years. Two or more adults may congregate to feed. Not exceptionally
efficient hunters; may go several days without eating, but can
consume as much as 50 kg (110 lbs). at one feeding and will eat
practically anything when necessary. Dens are beneath rocks or
fallen trees. One tiger may have several dens in its territory.
Only mothers with young will stay at one den for long periods.
Can leap 5 m (6.5 yards), 10 m (11 yards) downward, and can jump
over barriers 1.8 m (2 yards) high. Like water and are excellent
swimmers. Adults are not good climbers.
Diet: Large mammals, but will also eat eggs, carrion or
berries. The tiger is not the efficient hunter that most people
believe it to be, and sometimes must eat whatever food it can
find. In captivity, horsemeat with vitamins and minerals added,
or a commercially prepared diet may be provided.
Breeding and Maturation: Gestation period is 100-108 days.
Litter size may be one to six. Offspring usually remain with the
mother for about two years, after which litter mates may still
stay with each other for a while before setting out on their own.
Maturation may be 4-5 years for the male, 3-4 years for the female.
In captivity, tigers may become mature at about 2 years. Females
in the wild usually produce litters only about every 3 or 4 years.
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