The Malayan tiger, also known as the southern Indochinese tiger, is a tiger population native to Peninsular Malaysia.
Classification: A population of Panthera tigris tigris
Panthera tigris tigris is the nominate tiger subspecies – the original population of a species that has been split into subspecies. Within the Panthera tigris tigris subspecies, the Malayan tiger is currently considered a clade – a group descended from a single ancestor. The Bengal, Indochinese, South China, and Siberian tigers are also separate clades (populations) within this subspecies. (Note: tiger species taxonomy is currently under review by the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group.)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
In 2014, the Malayn tiger population was between 80 to 12o individuals.
Lineage: The Malayan tiger is a member of the Panthera lineage, along with other tiger species, the lion, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. There are two genera in this lineage: Panthera and Neofelis.
Interesting Malayan tiger facts
- In 1758, the tiger’s scientific name was Felis tigris.
- The tiger is called Harimau in the Malay language.
- The Malayan tiger is the smallest tiger subspecies found on the mainland.
- They can run 35 – 40 mph in short bursts.
- It is the national symbol of Malaysia
- The Malayan tiger was once believed to be the same species as the Indochinese tiger.
- They are excellent swimmers who often spend time in shallow waters cooling down on a hot day.
- Each tiger has a different stripe pattern.
More about the Malayan tiger
The Malayan tiger can be found in the central and southern parts of the Malay Peninsula.
Origin and history
Tigers were seen in Singapore in the early 1800s, crossing the Strait of Johor (the strait between Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia). However, they disappeared by the 1950s.
Historically, the Malayan tiger inhabited several states and federal territories, but its population has diminished, and now it is only found in four states.
Physical appearance
The Malayan tiger has orange fur with black stripes on the face, body, and tail. Its underbelly is creamy to white. On average, Male Malayan tigers are 8 feet 6 inches long, and females are 7 feet 10 inches long. Males weigh between 104 and 285 lbs., and females weigh 52 to 195 lbs.
Location and habitat
The Malayan tiger’s preferred habitat is the dense tropical forests of the peninsula. They can be found in the Malaysian states of Pahang, Kelantan, Perak, and Terengganu. However, the tiger population in the Belum-Temengor Forest Reserve has seen a significant decline in recent years. As of 2019, it is estimated that only 23 individuals remain in this area.
Image: Perak, a Malaysian state on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. The area’s mountain ranges are part of the Tenasserim Hills system that connects Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.
Malayan tiger behavior
The Malayan tiger is a solitary animal except during mating periods. It typically sleeps during the day and hunts at night. Male tigers will allow females in and around their territory for mating purposes, but not males.
They communicate with growls, roars, chuffs and moans.
Hunting and prey
Malayan tigers prey on deer, wild boar, pig, goat-like serow, and bears.
Mating, reproduction, and lifespan
Male tigers will mate all year long, but the peak period is between November and March. The gestation period is around 3 1/2 months. Letters are usually 3 to 4 cubs. The cubs will usually leave their mother at around 2 years of age. Females reach sexual maturity at around 3 years, and males at 5 years.
Cubs are unable to see and will feed on milk for the first few months of their life. After 60 days or so, they will follow their mother when she goes hunting.
They typically live for 15 to 20 years in the wild.
Malayan tiger conservation
The Malayan tiger is a critically endangered population of tigers inhabiting the Peninsular Malaysia. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threaten its survival as a species. The tiger’s body parts are used to prepare traditional Chinese medicine.
Conservation efforts include:
Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers – an alliance of non-government organizations. Its activities include implementing a hotline for poaching and other tiger-related crimes and citizen patrols.
Government initiatives—In 2021, the Cabinet of Malaysia implemented nine conservation strategies to protect the Malayn tiger, including enforcement patrols, preservation of the tiger’s habitat, and the creation of a wildlife crime bureau.
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