Malayan Tiger

Description

Malayan tigers are one of the smallest of the five remaining tiger subspecies.

Range & Habitat

Malayan tigers are found in the tropical forest of the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula.

At the Virginia Zoo, Malayan tigers can be found on Asia: Trail of the Tiger.

Behavior

Tigers are mostly nocturnal and are ambush predators that rely on their stripes for camouflage. They are also very good swimmers. Tigers are mainly solitary, except during mating season and females with young offspring.

Diet

Malayan tigers prey upon deer, wild boar, birds, reptiles, and virtually any other animal they can overpower, including sun bear, water buffalo, and Asian elephant calves. They may travel up to 20 miles in search of a meal. Tigers requires about 12-15 pounds of protein a day, but they can eat around 70 pounds of meat during each meal.

Conservation

The primary threats to Malayan tigers in the wild are illegal hunting and trading of their bones for medicine and wealth. There are thought to be about 250-340 Malayan tigers remaining in the wild.