The tiger is the largest of the world's 36 cat species . On average, tigers weigh 15 to 20 percent more than African lions, the second largest feline species. The very largest of tigers exceed the largest lions in size by even greater percentages. Tiger cubs are exceedingly playful. This activity helps strengthen their growing muscles and also helps them learn stalking and hunting skills.
Tigers are magnificent athletes.
They are tremendously agile and supple for an animal that routinely weighs more than 300 pounds and can exceed 600 pounds . Tiger mothers are protective and conscientious guardians of their young. Cubs rely on their mothers for food and protection for more than a year. The tiger's colouration and markings enable it to blend into the dappled shadows of the forest where it has lived very successfully until the encroachment of man . Tigers are often found near water, in which they lie and drink to cool themselves.