Tiger: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Big Cats · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. A tiger can sprint 56 km/h and leap 10 m, but it is no long-distance runner. If the prey outpaces it, it gives up.
2. Tigers are powerful swimmers: they easily cross rivers as wide as 8 km, and soak in water on hot days.
3. Every tiger's stripes are unique. Each individual wears its own pattern of black or dark brown stripes.
4. When a tigress senses danger, she moves her cubs one by one, carrying each by the scruff of the neck in her mouth.
5. Tigers roar to let other tigers far away know they are there. A mother also roars to call her cubs to her.

The quiz

1. How far can a tiger leap?

• 2 m
• 10 m (correct)
• 25 m
• 50 m

A tiger can sprint 56 km/h and leap 10 m.

2. What does a tiger do in water on hot days?

• It soaks in it (correct)
• It hunts fish only
• It avoids it
• It sleeps on the bank

Tigers swim well and soak in water on hot days.

3. What is true of tiger stripes?

• All tigers share one pattern
• They fade each year
• Only males have them
• Each tiger has its own pattern (correct)

Stripes are uniquely patterned in each individual.

4. How does a tigress move her cubs?

• All at once on her back
• By pushing them with her nose
• One by one, by the scruff of the neck (correct)
• She never moves them

She carries them one by one by the scruff of the neck.

5. Why does a tiger mother roar?

• To scare her cubs away
• To call her cubs to her (correct)
• To warn the prey
• To lull her cubs to sleep

A mother roars to call her cubs to her.

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