What is the Difference Between Bengal Tigers and Sumatran Tigers?

Bengal tigers and Sumatran tigers are two subspecies of the tiger species, Panthera tigris, and share many similarities. However, there are distinct differences between them:

1. Size: Bengal tigers are significantly larger than Sumatran tigers. Adult male Bengal tigers can weigh up to 500 pounds (227 kg), while adult female Sumatran tigers typically weigh around 220 pounds (100 kg).
2. Habitat: Bengal tigers inhabit India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, and are found in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, grasslands, and mangroves. Sumatran tigers, on the other hand, are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and are found in tropical rainforests.
3. Appearance: Sumatran tigers have a reddish-orange coat with dark, well-defined stripes that cover their entire body, including their forelegs. Bengal tigers have an orange coat with black stripes, and their stripes are not as dark or well-defined as those of Sumatran tigers.
4. Population: Bengal tigers have a population of around 2,500 in the wild, while Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with less than 400 individuals remaining in the wild.
5. National Animal: Bengal tigers are the national animal of India and Bangladesh. Sumatran tigers do not hold the same status in Indonesia, but they are considered a flagship species for conservation efforts.

Comparative Table: Bengal Tigers vs Sumatran Tigers

Here is a table comparing the differences between Bengal Tigers and Sumatran Tigers:

Both Bengal and Sumatran tigers are subspecies of the Panthera tigris species and share many similarities. However, they also have distinct differences in their appearance, size, and habitat.