The Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) is a distinct population of big cat native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. This magnificent predator is one of the world’s most threatened tiger populations, clinging to survival in isolated pockets of its former vast range. Once roaming across much of mainland Southeast Asia, the tiger’s numbers have plummeted drastically over the last few decades. Understanding the challenges faced by this animal begins with recognizing where the last viable groups remain.
Defining the Indochinese Tiger and Its Key Features
The Indochinese tiger is scientifically classified as Panthera tigris corbetti, although recent genetic studies sometimes group it within the continental subspecies, Panthera tigris tigris. It stands as an apex predator within its ecosystem, playing a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of the forest environment. The subspecies is named in honor of Jim Corbett, a hunter turned conservationist.
Physically, the Indochinese tiger is generally smaller than its northern relatives, the Bengal and Siberian tigers, but larger than the Sumatran tiger. Males typically weigh between 220 and 400 pounds, while females are significantly smaller. Its coat features a darker, more muted orange hue and is characterized by narrower, shorter, and more numerous black stripes compared to the markings of the Bengal tiger. This pattern provides camouflage suited to the dense, warm, and humid forest environments it inhabits.
Current Geographic Strongholds
The current distribution of viable, breeding populations of the Indochinese tiger is now almost entirely restricted to Thailand and Myanmar. Thailand is widely regarded as the last true stronghold for the species, hosting the largest and most monitored populations. The total wild population is estimated to be only around 220 individuals, with most of these concentrated in Thailand.
The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand represents the most important conservation landscape for this subspecies. This vast area includes the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which supports the largest single population of Indochinese tigers. Camera trap surveys have confirmed that this core area maintains a recovering population, estimated to be over 130 individuals as recently as 2023. A second, smaller breeding population is found in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in eastern Thailand, home to an estimated 24 to 34 tigers. In neighboring Myanmar, the population is significantly smaller and faces greater monitoring challenges due to political instability. The last published estimate for Myanmar placed the population at about 22 individuals, with evidence of breeding confirmed in certain southern regions.
Habitat Preferences and Ecosystem Requirements
Indochinese tigers prefer specific types of dense forest that provide ample cover for hunting and raising young. Their habitat consists primarily of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. These areas are often characterized by rugged, mountainous, and hilly terrains, which offer the isolation necessary for the tigers to avoid human conflict.
The presence of reliable water sources and dense undergrowth is also necessary for their survival. These environmental features support a healthy population of prey species. The tiger’s diet consists mainly of medium to large-sized ungulates, such as Sambar deer, wild boar, banteng, and gaur. The density and health of these prey populations directly determine the size and stability of a tiger’s territory.
The Crisis of Range Contraction and Survival Threats
The current restricted distribution in Thailand and Myanmar is the direct result of catastrophic range contraction across Southeast Asia. The Indochinese tiger was historically found across six countries, including China, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Today, the subspecies is considered functionally extinct or extirpated in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, meaning no viable breeding populations remain.
Habitat fragmentation is a major driver of this loss, as infrastructure development and the expansion of agriculture break up large forest blocks. This fragmentation isolates the remaining small tiger populations, making finding mates difficult and increasing the risk of local extinction. The loss of prey species due to human hunting further diminishes the carrying capacity of their remaining habitats.
The most immediate threat is poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, which has decimated populations throughout the region. Tiger parts, including skins and bones, are highly sought after for use in traditional medicine and as status symbols, driving a lucrative black market. This combination of range loss, habitat destruction, and poaching pressure is why the Indochinese tiger is formally listed as Endangered.