There are five subspecies of tiger. Tiger habitats can be varied, ranging from tropical rain forests to snow- covered regions. Because of its fearsome reputation, the beauty of its coat, and primarily because of the loss of jungles and forests, the tiger has become an endangered species. Tigers once roamed from the Soviet Union to the Indian Ocean, but are now only found in small pockets of Nepal, China, Iran, Korea, Sumatra, Java, and Bangladesh. There are several subspecies of tigers, and each name specifies the geographic origin of the subspecies.
Tigers can live in almost any climate, requiring only shade, water, and food.
Like most cats, tigers prefer to hunt at night. They generally seek large animals, which they stalk patiently, then bring down with a fast rush and swipe of their powerful forelegs, armed with sharp claws. Tigers live about 15 years in the wild, and are solitary animals, coming together primarily for mating. Tigresses give birth to litters of two or three cubs, after a gestation period of three to four months. The cubs become independent after about two years.