The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), is the largest tiger subspecies and one of the most iconic big cats in the world.

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment published in 2022, estimated the population at 265–486 in the Russian Far East with a further small number ranging across the border into China and possibly North Korea. In the 1940s, it was on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. This was due to decades of almost continual political instability with the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union.

In 1947 after WW2, Russia became the first country to ban tiger hunting and offer tigers full protection. Hunting of the main prey species, boar and deer, became restricted by annual quota based on the results of population counts. Poaching of tigers became relatively rare, because there was no market for skins and other tiger products, although hunters on occasion killed their “competitor” when an opportunity presented itself.

Here are some fascinating facts about this majestic animal:

1. Size: Adult males can reach lengths of up to 3.3 meters (11 feet) including the tail and weigh between 180-306 kg (400-675 pounds). Females are smaller, weighing between 100-167 kg (220-368 pounds).
2. Thick Coat: Adapted to cold climates, the Siberian tiger has a dense fur coat that is pale orange with broad black stripes. Its underbelly and chest are lighter, almost white.
3. Paws and Tail: It has large, padded paws that act like snowshoes, and its long, thick tail helps maintain balance and warmth.
4. Location: Found primarily in the forests of the Russian Far East, with smaller populations in northeast China and possibly North Korea.
5. Solitary Hunters: Siberian tigers are solitary and highly territorial, patrolling vast territories of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) for males.
6. Diet: Carnivorous, preying on large ungulates like deer and wild boar. They occasionally hunt smaller animals and even fish.
7. Strength and Speed: They are powerful hunters capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. They can sprint up to 60 km/h (37 mph) for short distances.
8. Communication: They use vocalizations, scent markings, and visual signals like scratch marks on trees to communicate.
9. Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for their fur and body parts, and a declining prey base are major threats.
10. Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching patrols, protected reserves, and international breeding programs, have helped stabilize the population in recent decades.
11. Cold Resistance: Siberian tigers are uniquely adapted to extreme cold, with a layer of fat under their skin and a specialized coat for insulation.
12. Swimming Ability: They are excellent swimmers and are often found near rivers and lakes within their range.
13. Range: Historically, its range extended across Korea, northeastern China, and Mongolia, but it is now more restricted due to habitat loss.
14. Endangered Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated wild population of around 500-600 individuals.
15. Symbolism: In Russian and Chinese cultures, the Siberian tiger is a symbol of power, courage, and wilderness.