The Malayan Tiger, otherwise known by its Latin name as Panthera Tigris Jacksoni, is a subspecies of tiger found only in Peninsular Malaysia and considered native to this country. It is listed as critically endangered due to multiple threats on the red list of IUCN in 2015.
In Malay, this animal is called Harimau Malaya, sometimes shortened to simply “rimau.” It is considered a national icon of the country as it is not only used as a symbol of the coat of arms of Malaysia, but it is also a symbol of the Malaysian national football team since the team refers to themselves as Harimau Malaya.
Below are more facts about the Malayan tiger:
They are Uniquely Malaysian – Malayan Tigers are smaller than the other tigers species and are found only in the Malay Peninsular
They are Big Cats – The male tigers have an average length of 8 feet and 6 inches and can weigh up to 129.1kgs, whereas the females are around 7 feet and 10 inches and can weigh around 88 kgs.
They are Solitary Animals – Malayan Tigers are solitary felines except for when a female tiger gives birth. A mother tiger will be with her cubs for about 2 years to teach them survival and hunting skills. When the cubs are ready to leave their mother, the mother tiger will resume her solitary life as her cubs find their own territory.
They are Critically Endangered – According to the 1st National Tiger Survey announced in 2021, there are only less than 150 tigers left in the wild, a staggering decrease from 3000 tigers recorded in the 1950s in Malaysia.
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