India's national animal is the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The Bengal tiger was chosen as the national animal during a meeting of the Indian Wildlife Board in 1972 and was officially adopted in April 1973. India is home to the largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers, underscoring the significance of this majestic animal to the nation's natural heritage.
The Bengal tiger is also a symbol of conservation efforts, as the species is endangered. Recognised for its majestic appearance and role in maintaining ecological balance, the Bengal tiger is an iconic emblem of India's natural beauty and biodiversity.
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Average lifespan of Bengal Tiger: |
15 years in the wild & 16 to 18 years in controlled environments |
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Mode of Nutrition: |
Heterotrophs. They are born killers and mainly survive on mammals and animals like Antelope, Deer, Guars, Wild Boar, etc. |
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Native habitat: |
Tropical rainforests, Marshes and Tall grasses |
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Range: |
Fragmented areas of Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Burma |
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Total Population: |
Less than 5000 |
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Avg Weight: |
Males: 225 kg & Females: 150kg |
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Avg Height: |
Males: 10 ft long & Females: 9 ft long. |
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Gestation period: |
3 months or 104–106 days |
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Number of Cubs: |
4-5 cubs |
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Teeth: |
A strong tooth with lengths from 7.5 to 10 cm. |
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Tail length |
33 to 43 inches long. |
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Taxonomic tree |
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Domain: |
Eukaryota |
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Kingdom: |
Animalia |
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Phylum: |
Chordata |
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Class: |
Mammalia |
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Order: |
Carnivora |
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Suborder: |
Feliformia |
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Family: |
Felidae |
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Subfamily: |
Pantherinae |
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Genus: |
Panthera |
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Species: |
P. tigris |
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Subspecies: |
P. t. tigris |
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Mode of Nutrition: |
Heterotrophic |
India's national animal is the Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). Known for its strength, power, and majestic appearance, the tiger symbolises India's rich wildlife heritage and cultural significance. It is also a symbol of courage and the country's commitment to wildlife conservation.
India's national animal is the Royal Bengal tiger, which is found primarily in India's forests and national parks. The Bengal tiger plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat.
The Royal Bengal Tiger was designated as India's national animal due to its strength, power, and grace, embodying the nation's rich natural heritage. As a symbol of India's wildlife, it represents courage and the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The Bengal tiger also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, making it a fitting symbol for India. Its majestic presence in forests across India highlights the country's biodiversity and emphasises the importance of protecting endangered species.
India’s national animal, the Royal Bengal tiger, is found primarily in dense forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps across the country. It is mainly located in regions like the Sundarbans (West Bengal), the Himalayan foothills, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam.
The Bengal tiger also roams in several protected national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Jim Corbett National Park, Kanha National Park, and Ranthambore National Park. These areas provide vital habitats for the tiger and are key to conservation efforts.
According to the latest tiger census report for 2019-20, India has 2,967 Royal Bengal tigers, which is more than 75% of the total tiger population in the world.
Royal Bengal Tiger population in Nepal: 235
Royal Bengal Tiger population in Bhutan: 100
Royal Bengal Tiger population in Bangladesh: 440.
Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Sunderban National Park, West Bengal
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh.
The Royal Bengal tiger, India's national animal, symbolises strength, power, and courage. It represents India's rich wildlife heritage and natural beauty. As an apex predator, the Bengal tiger plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat. Its designation as the national animal highlights the country's commitment to wildlife conservation, as the species is endangered. The tiger also embodies India's cultural reverence for wildlife, inspiring efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
Tigers are the largest of the big cats and the second largest mammal in the world after whales. The Royal Bengal Tiger ranks among the biggest wild cats alive today and has been chosen as India’s national animal because of its grace, strength, agility, and gigantic might. As of 2022-23, India is home to almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.
Here are some of the interesting facts about the Indian National Animal - The Royal Bengal Tiger:
Endangered Species: The Royal Bengal tiger is classified as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Its estimated wild population is around 2,500 individuals.
Largest Tiger Subspecies: It is the largest of all tiger subspecies, with males weighing up to 500 pounds (225 kg) and measuring up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length.
Habitat: Bengal tigers are found primarily in India, with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. They inhabit tropical forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps.
Apex Predator: As the top predator in its ecosystem, the Bengal tiger plays a critical role in controlling populations of other species and maintaining the balance of its habitat.
Solitary Creatures: Bengal tigers are solitary animals and prefer to live alone, marking large territories they fiercely protect from other tigers.
Distinctive Appearance: Tigers are known for their striking orange coats with black stripes. Each tiger's stripe pattern is unique, much like human fingerprints.
Carnivorous Diet: The Bengal tiger is a carnivore, preying on deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals.
Swimming Abilities: Unlike many cats, Bengal tigers are excellent swimmers, often found near rivers and lakes.
Cultural Symbol: The tiger is an essential symbol in Indian culture, representing power, grace, and bravery in numerous myths and traditions.
Conservation Efforts: India has launched several successful conservation programmes, including Project Tiger, to protect the Royal Bengal tiger and its habitat, helping stabilise its population in recent years.
The national animal of India is the Bengal Tiger, Panthera tigris.
The Bengal Tiger is considered the national animal of India because of its agility, grace, power, and strength. It represents India's rich cultural diversity and is an important part of the country's history.
No lion is called the King of the Jungle, and the Bengal Tiger is considered India's national animal.
The "Project Tiger" is a wildlife conservation programme launched to check India's dwindling population of tigers.
"Project Tiger" was launched in April 1973. According to records, around 27 tiger reserves have been established in the country under this project, covering an area of 37,761 sq km.
There were nine subspecies or types of tigers. Six of these are currently known, while the other three are extinct.
According to the sources across the web, the nine subspecies of the tiger are: Bali tiger, Bengal tiger, Caspian tiger, Indochinese tiger, Javan tiger, Malayan tiger, Siberian tiger, South China tiger and Sumatran tiger
According to sources across the web, six tiger subspecies are currently endangered, and three are extinct. The six endangered, active, or living subspecies of the tiger are the Bengal, Siberian, Sumatran, Indochinese, and South China.
Answer: These tiger species inhabit the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula.
No. Malayan tigers are not extinct, but they are critically endangered. According to the records, only 250-340 Malayan tigers are estimated to be left in the world.
Answer: According to the sources across the web, three subspecies of the tiger are now extinct: the Bali tiger, the Javan tiger, and the Caspian tiger.
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