Corbetts - Page 1&2:
In The Wild | 3:
In Captivity | 4:
Subspecies Description | 5:
Weight & Length Figures
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Conservation
The distribution of Corbetts tiger:Corbetts tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) is more commonly known as the Indochinese, or Malayan tiger. It was recognised as a separate subspecies in 1968 when Mazak described a tiger from the vicinity of the Central Vietnam coastal town of Nha Trang. These tigers were found to be living across Indochina, eastern Burma and Malaysia. This subspecies has an extremely wide range and this has made evaluating tiger numbers very difficult. They are presently located across southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and eastern Myanmar (Burma). Most of their habitat is made up of remote forests with hilly or mountainous terrain. This forms the boundaries of several countries, some of which have proven unwilling to give access to biologists. Without this access essential surveys have been unable to be carried out. As a result, surprisingly little is known about this subspecies. The total wild numbers presently quoted depend heavily upon estimation. They vary between 1,200 and 1,800 animals, but until further studies can be done correct figures will remain unknown. Corbetts Tiger - Status in Vietnam:Our most valuable information comes from Vietnam where scientists have been mapping the distribution of Corbetts tiger for over 20 years. We know that forest cover across Vietnam has reduced dramatically and illegal hunting is rife.
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Almost three-quarters of the tigers killed end up providing stock for Chinese pharmacies and the tiger is seen by poor native people as a resource through which they can ease poverty. Tiger skins, teeth and bones being readily available for purchase in major cities. Extensive amounts of money would be required to have a significant impact on this trade and Vietnam's customs and forest protection agencies are heavily under-funded.
In 1994, tiger numbers were believed to be between 200 and 300, though a 1995 survey put numbers significantly lower at only 200. Officials admit that numbers are in decline. Corbetts Tiger - Status in Cambodia:This area has the potential to support up to 500 cats, though some estimates put the numbers as low as 150. Cambodia still has over 50% forest cover, but plans are well underway to sell all unprotected forest to logging companies. Add to this the pressures of poaching and war, and the tigers within Cambodia face almost certain extinction. |
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Corbetts - Page
1&2:
In The Wild | 3:
In Captivity | 4:
Subspecies Description
| 5:
Weight & Length Figures
Amur | Bali | Bengal | Caspian | Corbetts | Javan | Sumatran | South Chinese | Amur Leopard |
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Photography
With Thanks To Denise McQuillen (Photos 1-2) |