Hello Lykkers! Tigers are among the most iconic and admired big cats in the world. Known for their powerful presence and striking stripes, these animals once roamed vast territories across Asia.

Today, however, they face one of their toughest challenges: survival. Over the past century, their numbers have declined at an alarming rate.

According to the WWF, there were around 100,000 tigers in the wild in the early 1900s. Now, only about 4,500 remain in their natural habitats. Let's explore the current status of each group of tigers and understand what makes each unique — and endangered.

Understanding Tiger Subgroups

Tigers belong to a single species, Panthera tigris, but are divided into subgroups based on physical features and geographical ranges. Over time, scientists have revised these subgroups, with current recognition generally including nine — six still present in some form, and three that have disappeared completely.

The Living Subgroups

Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

This is the most familiar tiger to many, with a vibrant orange coat and dark stripes. Native to areas of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, it is one of the most widely recognized tiger types. White tigers, a rare variation, appear once in about 10,000 births.

Bengal tigers are among the largest cats on Earth, with males reaching up to 2.5 meters in length (excluding the tail) and weighing between 180–260 kg. Females usually weigh less. Today, roughly 2,500 Bengal tigers remain in the wild.

Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)

Also called the Amur tiger, this is the largest living tiger subgroup. It has a paler coat and thicker fur, suitable for colder climates. Males can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh as much as 300 kg. These tigers live mainly in the forested regions of northeastern China and nearby regions. There are fewer than 500 Siberian tigers still in the wild.

Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)

Found in tropical forests across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this subgroup has a lighter coat with more delicate striping. Males can weigh up to 200 kg, while females usually reach about 140 kg. Estimates suggest fewer than 500 Indochinese tigers remain in nature.

Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)

A shy and elusive type, the Malayan tiger lives in the forests of the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, and Myanmar. Males usually weigh no more than 130 kg, making them one of the smaller subgroups. Due to their elusive nature, these tigers are difficult to study, but it's believed fewer than 200 still exist in the wild.

Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

Native to the dense rainforests of the island of Sumatra, these tigers have darker coats and closer-set stripes to help them blend into the thick jungle. They are excellent climbers and agile hunters. Males weigh up to 140 kg. With fewer than 400 left in the wild, this subgroup is in critical condition due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)

Once found in southern parts of China, this tiger has not been seen in the wild for decades. Males used to reach up to 180 kg. Only about 30 individuals survive today, all in controlled environments. This subgroup is considered “functionally extinct,” as reintroduction into the wild remains highly unlikely for now.

The Lost Subgroups

Caspian Tiger (Panthera tigris virgata)

Once found across Central Asia, including areas near the Caspian Sea, this was one of the largest subgroups. Males weighed up to 240 kg and had thick fur adapted to cooler climates.

The group disappeared in the 20th century due to widespread hunting and the clearing of natural habitats. It was officially declared extinct in the 1970s.

Bali Tiger (Panthera tigris balica)

Native to the island of Bali, these tigers were the smallest among the known subgroups, with males weighing up to 110 kg. The last known sightings date back to the 1930s. Their extinction resulted from habitat destruction and overhunting. Knowledge of their existence today relies on historical records and preserved specimens.

Javan Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica)

A close relative of the Bali tiger, the Javan tiger was slightly larger, with males weighing up to 140 kg. It once thrived in the lush forests of Java. By the 1980s, this subgroup had vanished, following years of forest clearing and overhunting. It was the most recent tiger group to disappear.

Conclusion: A Future Still Possible

Lykkers, the tiger’s journey is a warning — but also a reason for action. Despite devastating losses, there is still hope. Conservation projects are working to stabilize and grow the remaining populations. Protected reserves, scientific research, and stronger wildlife protection laws are key to helping these majestic animals thrive again.

As of now, three tiger subgroups have disappeared forever, and six are fighting for survival. With continued global effort and education, their story doesn't have to end. Let’s stand with the tigers, for a future where their roar continues to echo through the forests.