Amur tiger adaptations for the cold:

The Amur tiger develops an insulating layer of fat on its flanks and belly that provides protection from the cold.

The weather conditions in which these tigers live also provides the answer as to why they are larger than any other subspecies. An animal of bigger size conserves heat beater. Tigers such as the Sumatran, which is the  smallest of all tiger subspecies, reside in areas of hot temperatures. With their small size they can dissipate heat at a much faster rate.

There is one other notable difference between the Amur and other tiger subspecies. This is in the shape of the muzzle, which, as already mentioned on the previous page, is  much broader in the Amur tiger.

Prey species and conflict with other animals:

Amur tigers feed on large prey such as wild boar, elk and roe deer. It has been known for them to kill adult brown bear, but they do not specifically hunt these animals as in a fight it is quite often the tiger which is at a disadvantage.

Tigers are undoubtedly some of  the best hunters on earth. They are, however, not the best of fighters and tend to avoid situations where they risk grave harm.

An injured cat can no longer feed itself; with tigers being loners any severe damage spells almost certain death.

Paradoxically, the bear is a poor predator and will take down large prey only when the opportunity arises.  

Is the Amur tiger the original tiger form?

Some argument exists among experts as to which subspecies is the original tiger form, and that from which all others developed.

It is now generally accepted that the South Chinese tiger holds this honour, though many people still support the theory that development originated from the Amur subspecies. This could have occurred as the tigers migrated from their original extreme northern habitats to eventually populate parts of Asia.

Amur - Page 1&2: In The Wild | 3: In Captivity | 4&5: Subspecies Description| 6: Weight & Length Figures | 7: Conservation

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Photography With Thanks To  Ralf Schmode
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