Hobbies And Interests
Size
The Siberian tiger is the largest tiger and therefore the largest cat. It can measure close to 11 feet long, including the tail. A large male may weigh over 660 pounds. Bengal tigers, the most populous subspecies, tend to be about 20 percent smaller. The other subspecies of tigers, while sharing the distinctive markings, are also smaller. Females are also smaller.
Male African lions can reach lengths of nearly 10 feet; with a body of 6.5 feet and a tail over 3 feet long. A large male can weigh upwards of 550 pounds and stand 4 feet high at the shoulder. Asian lions tend to be smaller, reaching lengths of about 9 feet and weights close to 500 pounds. Females lions are also smaller and lighter than their male counterparts.
Appearance
The most noticeable difference between lions and tigers concerns their appearance. Tigers are a reddish-orange color with black stripes designed to camouflage them in brush and forests. Lions, both Asian and African, are generally a tawny brownish color that blends in with a grassland habitat. Asian lions are generally shaggier with shorter manes. Lions are the only cats that have a mane, the ring of long thick hair that circles the head and neck. Only male lions have a mane.
Habitat
The African lion lives on the plains, savannahs and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, although the territory may extend into open woodlands. Asian lions are found only in the Gir Forest Park of India, which consists of hilly deciduous forests, scrublands and grasslands with ample water. All subspecies of tigers are well adapted to a mountainous forest or jungle habitat. Certain tigers are also at home in swamps and swamp forests.
Societal Structure
Both subspecies of lions are very social animals that live in groups called prides. Lions are the only cats that live in groups. Prides are matriarchal in nature and all the females are related. Only a few males are members, and young males eventually leave to join other prides. Asian prides are typically smaller in size with even fewer males, possibly due to the smaller size of available game. Lions hunt as a group and share the kill.
Tigers live solitary lives and mark and protect their individual territory. Tigers hunt alone by stalking or ambushing their prey. Male and female tigers meet only to mate, and the male does not participate in raising the cubs. Cubs stay with the mother for 2 to 3 years, but eventually leave to establish their own territory.