subject: Stuffed Tiger Toys & Interesting Tiger Facts [print this page] The sad thing about stuffed tiger toys is that one day they may be the only thing we have left of the tiger species given they are so endangered around the world. Still hunted as trophies and body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine, these magnificent creatures just can't catch a break. At the very least, stuffed tiger toys don't have to worry about habitat loss and poaching like the real thing does.
Tigers are as renowned for their power and strength as they are for their signature black and orange striped bodies. At one time, eight sub-species of tiger existed but during the 20th century, three of the eight became extinct. What was once a population of hundreds of thousands, in the last 100 years, thanks to destruction of forests and hunting, there are now less than 2,500 animals remaining in the wild. There are lots of protection programs in place for the remaining five species, but that doesn't always prevent poaching from going on anyway.
Bengal or Indian tigers as they are sometimes referred to, live in India. Their population numbers about half of all remaining wild tigers and they are the most common of the species. Through the centuries, Bengal tigers have become an integral part of both Indian tradition and lore. They are a solitary animal that marks their territory quite aggressively so as to ensure rivals keep their distance. They hunt at night and will often travel many miles in search of prey such as wild pigs, deer, buffalo, and other large mammals. While lying in wait, their fur coat helps to camouflage them from being seen. When ready, they creep close to their prey and then pounce and attack quickly. Tigers can eat as much as 60 pounds of food in one night when hungry, but they may eat less.
Female tigers have litters of two to six cubs and they receive no assistance from the males in raising them. Cubs are only able to begin hunting when they reach 18 months of age and as is the case, they will stay with mom for up to three years, at which time they move on to find their own territory.
While it's really a privilege to have any soft toy in your possession, stuffed tiger toys are particularly special. They're not like other stuffed animals because they have a kind of vulnerability attached to them due to the real tigers ongoing plight to survive hanging over their heads. We often take for granted, when we look at our beloved stuffed tiger toys, just how much the animal they've been made to represent, means to the environment and the world at large.
by: Angeline Hope
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