Strawberry Tiger Profile

17. Strawberry Tiger (a.k.a. Golden Tiger) Profile

Common Name: Golden Tabby Tiger
Scientific Name: Panthera tigris
Genus: Panthera
Family: Felidae
Order: Carnivora
Class: Mammalia
Phylum: Chordata
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN) – based on the Bengal Tiger subspecies

Physical Description

The golden tabby tiger, often referred to as the "strawberry tiger" due to its unique color, is a rare variant of the Bengal tiger. Its fur features a striking golden-orange coat with a more muted, pale hue compared to the standard Bengal tiger. The golden tabby tiger has a creamy or light golden coat with a soft reddish or coppery tint, and the dark stripes on its body stand out vividly, creating a stunning contrast.

This variation occurs due to a recessive genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation of the tiger’s fur. While the golden tabby tiger may look different from the regular Bengal tiger, it still retains the same powerful build and muscular structure characteristic of the species.

• Length: 2.3 – 3 meters (head to tail)

• Height: 1 meter (at the shoulder)

• Weight: 160 – 230 kg (males), 100 – 160 kg (females)

Diet

Golden tabby tigers, like all tigers, are carnivores and rely on hunting large prey for sustenance. Their diet primarily consists of:

• Primary Diet: Wild ungulates like deer, antelope, and wild boar

• Other Prey: Smaller animals, including rabbits, birds, and other mammals, as well as occasional carrion

Golden tabby tigers, just like their non-tabby counterparts, use stealth and strength to ambush and overpower their prey.

Social Structure

Little is known about the Tabby Tiger's social behaviour due to the lacking ability to study these animals in the wild. What we do know, is that these tabby tigers are solitary creatures, just like all other tigers. They are generally not social animals and prefer to live alone. They establish territories and use scent markings, vocalizations, and physical marks to communicate and defend their domain. Their territories can cover large areas depending on prey availability.

Reproduction

Golden tabby tigers, like other tigers, have a complex reproductive system. Females typically come into estrus (heat) several times a year, and during this period, they will attract male tigers. After mating, the female carries her cubs for several months before giving birth in a secluded den.

• Gestation Period: Around 93 days

• Litter Size: 2-3 cubs

• Cubs' Birth Weight: About 1.5 kg each

• Weaning: Cubs begin eating solid food at around 8 weeks and stay with their mother for up to 2 years before becoming independent.

Interesting Facts

• Rare Genetic Mutation: The golden tabby tiger's unique coloration is caused by a recessive gene mutation. In the wild, this coloration is extremely rare, but it is more commonly found in captivity.

• Not a Separate Subspecies: Despite their distinct color, golden tabby tigers are not a separate subspecies of tiger but are a variation of the Bengal tiger. They share the same genetic foundation.

• Cultural Significance: Due to their rarity and striking beauty, golden tabby tigers are often regarded with awe and fascination, becoming symbols of majesty and power in various cultures.

• Inbreeding Concerns: The golden tabby tiger has been bred in captivity, often from a small gene pool, leading to concerns about inbreeding and its potential effects on the tiger’s health.

Role in the Ecosystem

Golden tabby tigers, like other tigers, are apex predators in their ecosystems. As top predators, they play an important role in regulating prey populations and maintaining the balance of their habitat. They help control populations of herbivores, which in turn affects the vegetation and overall health of the ecosystem.

However, in the wild, their numbers are extremely low due to their rare genetic mutation and the threats facing all tigers, such as habitat loss and poaching.

Why They're At Risk

Vulnerable (IUCN Status) > (Bengal Tiger)

Although golden tabby tigers are not a separate species and are generally bred in captivity, they are still closely related to the Bengal tiger, which is classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. The ''species'' of Strawberry Tigers is critically endangered with only 30 left in captivity. Bengal tigers face numerous threats including:

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and human encroachment have destroyed much of the tiger’s natural habitat.

• Poaching: Tigers are hunted for their fur, bones, and other body parts, often for illegal trade.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Tigers are increasingly coming into contact with human populations, leading to retaliation killings when tigers prey on livestock.

Captive breeding of golden tabby tigers raises ethical concerns, particularly because they are often bred without regard for genetic diversity, leading to inbreeding and health issues.

You can help by supporting tiger conservation efforts aimed at protecting wild tigers and their habitats. Advocacy for stricter anti-poaching laws, habitat preservation, and the reduction of human-wildlife conflict is essential to securing the future of these majestic creatures.