The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is one of the largest and most powerful feline predators on Earth. Its impressive size often sparks considerable interest. This article explores its physical dimensions, including length, height, and weight, and compares it to other large carnivores.
Key Measurements
Male Siberian tigers are notably larger than females across all measurements. Adult males average 195 centimeters (77 inches) in head and body length, ranging from 178 to 208 centimeters (70 to 82 inches). Females are smaller, averaging 174 centimeters (69 inches), with a range of 167 to 182 centimeters (66 to 72 inches). Both sexes have long tails, averaging 99 centimeters (39 inches) for males and 91 centimeters (36 inches) for females. Some exceptionally large males have been reported with a total length, including the tail, reaching up to 3.7 meters (12.1 feet).
Shoulder height for Siberian tigers ranges between 75 and 107 centimeters (30 to 42 inches). Weight also shows distinct sexual dimorphism. Contemporary wild male Siberian tigers average 176.4 kilograms (389 pounds), though historical averages were higher at 215.3 kilograms (475 pounds). Their weight can range from 180 to 315 kilograms (400 to 700 pounds), with some rare individuals recorded at 384.09 kilograms (846.8 pounds). Females are lighter, with contemporary wild individuals averaging 117.9 kilograms (260 pounds) and ranging from 100 to 167 kilograms (220 to 368 pounds).
Comparing Their Size
The Siberian tiger is the largest tiger subspecies and the largest wild cat globally. Its size becomes more apparent when compared to other notable big cats. While historical data suggests Siberian and Bengal tigers were once similarly large, contemporary Siberian tigers are, on average, slightly lighter than Bengal tigers. However, Siberian tigers often have a longer body and a more robust build, an adaptation to their colder environments.
Siberian tigers surpass lions in both length and weight. Male lions weigh up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds), less than the upper weight range of male Siberian tigers. Although lions may appear taller at the shoulder due to their build, Siberian tigers have greater overall body mass and length. This makes the Siberian tiger a dominant presence in its native habitat.
Factors Affecting Size
Several factors contribute to variations in an individual Siberian tiger’s size. A tiger’s age is an important determinant, as individuals grow until they reach full adult size, typically around three years of age. Males, being the larger sex, always outsize females, a characteristic known as sexual dimorphism.
The availability of prey and habitat quality also play significant roles. A consistent food supply, particularly large ungulates like elk and wild boar, supports greater physical development and weight gain. Conversely, prey scarcity can result in smaller body sizes, as seen in some contemporary populations compared to historical records. Genetic predispositions also contribute to large size, alongside environmental conditions that favor large body mass for heat conservation in cold climates.