I have agonized over the contorted carcasses of poisoned tigers and seen miles of forest cleared for agriculture. I have trekked through intact but empty jungles where all the wildlife has been shot out. But I have also been moved by our own capacity to help. To my admittedly biased eye, tigers are perfect. Lithe and massively muscled, they are a natural wonder, a faultless embodiment of power and beauty.
Females are slightly smaller and lighter.
Tigers use their powerful forelimbs and strong claws to wrestle prey to the ground. Canine teeth as long as a human thumb deliver the killing bite. Heedless of slashing hooves and antlers, it must go for the killing bite, ignoring the danger. Injury can be the ultimate penalty. A wounded tiger will starve if it can't hunt.