17 Mar 2008

Tigers


white tiger, originally uploaded by Jornic.

Tiger-Pantheras Tigris

I think Tigers are amazingly beautiful creatures. Even more amazing are white tigers which I first saw when I went to Las Vegas when I was much younger. I was happy to just sit there and stare at them all day (Not that I was allowed to!)

Without a doubt when I am asked what my favourite animal is, I don't even have to think. Unfortunately, like so may others, it is an endangered species.

A few facts:

* India has the largest population of Tigers
* There are 5000 to 7000 left in the wild
* Tigers are the largest of the cat family
* Weight 500 pounds (226kg), Length 9ft (274cm), approximately.
* Tigers eat anything, nothing eats Tigers (not in the wild anyway)
* Like fingerprints, no two tigers have the same stripe pattern
* The 9 subspecies are Malayan, Bengal, Indochinese, Sumatran, Siberian, South China, Balinese, Java and Caspian.

The white tigers are not a separate species, just simply a different colour. They are also distinct in that they often have blue eyes and pink noses. awwwww

I know they are probably not cute when you are close-up and there is nothing but air between you and them but they are gorgeous creatures all the same!

Read the Tiger study done by the WWF: www.worldwildlife.org/tigers

A big thank you to Joris for letting me use the fantastic image of the white tiger he took. You must check out his flickr page Jornic for more beautiful photography.

Would like to know what animal/creature you think is special. Thanks for stopping by!

14 comments:

Scott Bulger Photography said...

Great article about bringing light to the beauty of these big cats. You might want to check your statistical info though, I think you have a typo in the weight category. There aren't any 5000 pound tigers, maybe 750 pounds maximum.

Urbanknit said...

hey scott,

thanks for the correction! it was a typo.

OMB said...

Such a beautiful creature.

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

Thanks for sharing that info! I love many creatures..deer and dogs mostly! The eyes get me!

Caroline said...

I love basically anything in the cat family. Esp. if it's a baby version of the same. :D

Sea Glass Things said...

Beautiful pic - I adore tigers - what a great topic and your blog is packed full of great info. I think we were in the Handbook to Handmade Vol 3 together but I could be wrong - been a fan of you work for a while :) Marla

High Desert Diva said...

Cute...even close up!

I've never seen a white tiger before...thanks for the picture and info

Urbanknit said...

@ distressing delilah, its always the eyes isn't it!

@ caroline, the baby versions are extra cute too.

Unknown said...

They are beautiful creatures!

Urbanknit said...

thanks all for leaving comments. i appreciate it.

@seaglassthings (Maria)- you are right, I am in Volume 3 too. I was really impressed with the quality. I am sure it will come to good use for everyone in it.

Anonymous said...

I love larger 'cats' - but I also admit - I have a thing for birds that cannot fly. :]

Infinite Cosmos said...

great info! i love tigers :-) and alpacas!

Arty Allsorts said...

I just love animals in general but I have soft spots for dolphins, big cats but especially lions and wolves.

Lovely photo - there's a white tiger at Colchester Zoo but he's camera shy! (at least every time I try, he is)

Tizzalicious said...

I agree on tigers, they are so beautiful.

And I love panda bears!

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