Malayan Tiger

Support Malayan Tiger

Scientific Name

Panthera tigris jacksoni

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Least Concern
Extinct

Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Diet

Wild pig and deer species are tigers’ primary food source in the wild.

Habitat in the Wild

Tropical Forest

Quick Fact

Each tiger’s stripes are unique just like our fingerprints.

Zoo Location

Tiger Forest

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Tigers are Critically Endangered

Tigers are the largest felid species. The Amur tiger is the largest subspecies of tiger and they live in the Russian Far East and neighboring regions of China. The Sumatran tiger is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the Malayan tiger is only found in Peninsular Malaysia. All total, there are only estimated to be 4,500 tigers left in the wild.

Malayan tigers are critically endangered due to deforestation, poaching, and prey loss. It is estimated there are only 250-300 left in the wild. They live in a tropical climate so they do not need much fat or fur to keep them warm. They are only one of three cat species that like to swim, and they have been observed crossing large rivers. They are solitary by nature, and will only come together for breeding purposes. They have a variety of vocalizations and their roar or “bark” can be heard from miles away. One vocalization they are unable to make is purring. However, they make what is called a “chuffing” noise that is used as a friendly greeting.

CONSERVATION FACT #1

Species Survival Plan

Zoo Knoxville is an active participant in the Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. We contribute to tiger conservation by serving as a breeding facility for Malayan tigers. In addition, we participate in World Tiger Day annually and educate guests on conservation efforts at our daily Asian Trek chats.
CONSERVATION FACT #2

Poaching & Habitat Loss

Poaching of tigers, poaching of their prey and habitat loss are the main drivers of the tiger population decline. Unsustainable farming practices of palm oil is one way tigers lose their forested habitat.
CONSERVATION FACT #3

Palm Oil

While a versatile oil soure, how this oil is sourced and produced remains one of the largest environmental threats to exotic wildlife. Palm oil plantations are known for clear-cutting and slash-and-burn agriculture practices. These practices decimate forest lands, which are home to many wildlife creatures.

what can you do?

Join us in making a difference for Malayan Tigers. From simple everyday actions to more involved conservation efforts.

Shop Sustainably

You can help Malayan tigers and support economic growth in tiger range countries by shopping for sustainable palm oil products with the help of the PalmOil Scan app created by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Support the Zoo

Zoo Knoxville is a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). We support and contribute to palm oil sustainability.

Support Tiger Conservation

You can also help save tigers from extinction by supporting the Tiger Conservation Campaign. Donated funds support anti-poaching patrols in the Endau-Rompin tiger landscape and help to increase the strength of anti-poaching laws.

Animal Encounters

Prowl over to the Tiger Temple Encounter area and come face to face with the majestic Malayan tigers, Tahan and Batari! Marvel at the magnificence of these rare creatures as you learn about our efforts to secure a future for this endangered species. It’s a thrilling encounter that will leave you in awe of these incredible animals and inspired to join us in their conservation journey!

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