The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a prominent subspecies of tiger found across various regions of Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Understanding their size helps appreciate their role as apex predators in their ecosystems.
Defining the Bengal Tiger’s Size
Bengal tigers rank among the largest wild cats, exhibiting considerable size variations. Males typically measure between 270 to 310 cm (106 to 122 inches) in total length, including a tail that can be 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 inches) long. Their shoulder height commonly ranges from 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 inches). Adult male Bengal tigers in central India average around 190 kg (420 lb), with some individuals reaching 167–234 kg (368–516 lb). In areas like the Terai region, adult males frequently exceed 227 kg (500 lb).
The largest wild tiger ever recorded was a male Bengal tiger from Uttar Pradesh, India, shot in 1967. This specimen measured 323 cm (127 inches) between pegs and 338 cm (133 inches) over curves. Its weight was estimated at approximately 324.3 kg (715 lb). Another notable male in central India weighed 317 kg (699 lb) and measured 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in).
Differences Between Males and Females
A clear size difference exists between male and female Bengal tigers. Males are generally much larger and heavier than females. While male Bengal tigers can weigh between 175 and 260 kg (385-573 lb), females are considerably lighter.
Female Bengal tigers typically weigh between 100 and 160 kg (220-350 lb). Their total length usually ranges from 255 to 285 cm (100 to 112 inches), including the tail. In some areas, like the Bangladesh Sundarbans, adult females may weigh as little as 75–80 kg (165–176 lb).
Factors Influencing Individual Size
Several factors contribute to variations in individual Bengal tiger sizes. Age plays a role, as tigers grow throughout their early years until they reach full maturity. The availability and quality of prey are significant determinants; tigers with access to abundant prey tend to achieve greater sizes. For example, well-fed individuals in rich habitats like the Terai belt are often larger. Habitat quality, which impacts prey availability, influences a tiger’s overall health and growth. Genetic inheritance, growth hormones, skeletal structure, and overall health also contribute to an individual’s potential size.
Comparing Bengal Tiger Size to Other Subspecies
The Bengal tiger is one of the largest tiger subspecies, often rivaling the Siberian tiger in average weight. While Siberian tigers are generally considered the largest subspecies overall, especially in length, male Siberian tigers can reach up to 3.3 meters (10.5 feet) from head to tail and weigh up to 300 kg (660 pounds). Bengal tigers, however, hold the record for the heaviest wild tiger ever documented.
Other tiger subspecies, such as the Indochinese and Sumatran tigers, are considerably smaller than Bengal tigers. Male Indochinese tigers average about 3 meters (9 feet) in length and weigh around 180 kg (400 pounds). The Sumatran tiger is the smallest subspecies, with males averaging 2.4 meters (8 feet) in length and weighing approximately 120 kg (260 pounds).