A Sumatran tiger drinking water
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of the tiger subspecies as compared to the Siberian tiger which is the largest. Sumatran male tigers average 8 feet () in length from head to tail and weigh about 265 lbs.( kg). Females average 7 feet ( m) in length and weigh about 200 lbs ( kg). The smaller size of the Sumatran tiger makes it easier to move quickly through the jungle. Also, their stripes are narrower than other tiger species. The tiger's patterned coloring is an adaptation for camouflage in their natural habitat, which is often tall grass. The males, especially, have a more bearded and maned appearance in which neck and cheek hair are well developed. Webbing between their toes, when spread, enables the Sumatran tiger to be a very fast swimmer. It will, if given the chance, run hoofed prey, who are much slower swimmers, into the water. The white spots on the back of the tiger's ears is called "eye spots" or "predator spots." These spots are believed to function as false eyes as well as to make it look larger to any predator approaching from behind. This is particularly helpful in keeping cubs safe. Sumatran Tigers commonly prey on larger ungulates like Wild Boar, Malayan Tapir, and deer, and sometimes also smaller animals such as fowl, monkeys, and fish. Orangutans could be prey, but since they spend a minimal amount of time on the ground, tigers rarely catch one. Sumatran tigers will sometimes prey upon mice and other small mammals when larger prey is scarce.
Size: 4209px × 2806px
Location: Howletts Wild Animal Park
Photo credit: © Pete Reynolds / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ears, eye, face, paws, sumatran, tiger, whiskers
