What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Siberian Tiger and the Bengal Tiger?

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The Siberian tiger and the Bengal tiger are the two largest tiger species in the world, although the Siberian tiger grows slightly larger. Both species are carnivores, but because they live in different habitats in different parts of the world, they consume different prey. Both species are considered endangered due to the prevalence of poachers, but more Bengal tigers than Siberian tigers remain in the wild.

Siberian, or Amur, tigers range through the Russian Far East and northern China. They inhabit mountainous areas with coniferous and deciduous forests. Because of the colder climate they inhabit, they have thicker fur than Bengal tigers. They prey on musk deer, red deer, wapiti, goral, bears, wild pigs, rabbits, hares and salmon.

Bengal tigers live in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Their habitat consists mainly of tropical forests, deciduous forests and mangroves. These tigers hunt sambar, gaur, water buffalo, chital, wild boar, hog deer and other large prey. Bengal tigers also attack humans more often than Siberian tigers.

Though both species are protected, they are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Poaching is the greatest threat to the remaining populations of both tiger species. As of 2014, there are about 450 Siberian tigers and 2,500 Bengal tigers remaining in the wild.