There are many mysteries surrounding the tiger. Beautiful and strong, these proud creatures defiantly march across the Asian land that they lovingly call their home. Better associated with India, these cats happen to be the largest of the big cats and also the most popular, second to the panda. Making their home in Asia, their habitats can include from the jungles of India, to the snow capped mountains of Siberia.
Felis tigris, or panthera tigris, is a widely popular symbol of India and used as one of the zodiac animals of the Chinese New year calendar. Popular in folklore they are often described as the divine punishers of the mythical world and associated with many royal families. One famous myth talks of a monkey who rode on the back of a mean spirited tiger. The tiger’s vicious hunting style is also adopted into many fighting moves, a popular one being the crouching tiger move sported in karate.
Contrary to popular belief, tigers enjoy swimming and, when not hunting or resting, spend most of their time paddling through rivers and streams. However despite their love for water the cats hate getting their faces wet. Tigers live solitary lives, guarding a select territory. Females guard a much smaller territory, generally within that of a male.
Tigers have always held a place in my heart, ever since I first learned of their existence at the age of four. Beautiful and unique these fascinating creatures have held my imagination captive to 
their immense beauty and redeeming strength. And while I grow in awe of their presence with each passing year I fear more sympathy and regret for the status that surrounds their name. Feared by many aboriginals of Asia and hunted for their beautiful fur, these creatures dwindle drastically in numbers with each passing year to the point that they are considered one of the most endangered species of the world. Much of this is human fault; their habitats cut down for lumber and paper; hunted for profit; feared by the villages; considered nuisances by some. Tigers have done nothing wrong, even when it seems like they have. For example, many man-eating tigers are the result of protecting cubs or their territory from intruders.
their immense beauty and redeeming strength. And while I grow in awe of their presence with each passing year I fear more sympathy and regret for the status that surrounds their name. Feared by many aboriginals of Asia and hunted for their beautiful fur, these creatures dwindle drastically in numbers with each passing year to the point that they are considered one of the most endangered species of the world. Much of this is human fault; their habitats cut down for lumber and paper; hunted for profit; feared by the villages; considered nuisances by some. Tigers have done nothing wrong, even when it seems like they have. For example, many man-eating tigers are the result of protecting cubs or their territory from intruders.I want to live in a world where animals are treated with respect not as some form of entertainment for our sick minds. Tigers and many other animals have been here long before us and we need to respect that. If not, then by the time we have grandchildren there won’t be any animals left to talk about.
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