ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[peter]

TIGERS AND WILD BOARS - 4 - RUSSIA - A FEW QUESTIONS 


Another post with good information! Thanks again, Wolverine. I'll print everything you and Diamir2 posted and will read it again. As the info we have seems to be contradictory in some respects, I decided for a few questions before I'll start on the summary. It would be much appreciated if you or Diamir2 could answer them. Here we go.

01 - Based on what I read, the tiger was much affected by the effects of cancer. Did it start in the pancreas? 

02 - The list of deficiencies (referring to the autopsy report posted by Diamir2) was impressive. Based on what I read, the conclusion is that the tiger was very close to death. In spite of his severe problems, he decided for a hunt. Before he ambushed the boar, he wasn't paralysed. Correct?

03 - The tiger, most probably close to starvation because he had been unable to hunt, selected a hiding place close to a well-used trail. When the boar approached, the tiger went for him. He needed 4 jumps to get to the boar. Correct?

04 - Although it was initially assumed that the tiger wasn't injured in the struggle that followed, a new analysis (referring to the letter from the USA) suggested that the tiger was injured by the boar. Based on what I read, it seems the boar was able to free himself from the grip of the tiger. He then decided for an attack. Based on the injuries of the tiger (pelvis and, perhaps, spine), it's likely that the tiger was hit from behind. This means the boar most probably didn't go down when he was attacked. The tiger did and, perhaps as a result of the disease, wasn't able to get to his feet in time. After injuring the tiger, the boar most probably continued the attack. During the struggle that followed, the tiger was able to kill the boar. Anything known on the method used by the tiger?

05 - After the boar had been killed, the tiger attempted to drag the boar away. Although he succeeded to a degree, the tiger quickly quit the attempt. Was the boar eaten? The photograph of the skull suggests that he was, but I'm not sure. 

06 - Shortly after he had killed the boar, the tiger left. Did they find out why?

07 - Although unable to use his hindlegs after the struggle, the tiger apparently was able to use his front legs. This means he dragged himself away from the scene of the struggle. After covering about 10 km. in this way, the tiger was unable to continue. Did they detect where he was going? Is it true the had moved quite a distance because he descended a hill?

08 - As he was quickly found by researchers (he apparently was still alive at that stage), it's likely he had been collared in the past. Any details known about this male?

09 - When he was found, the tiger was still alive. He died shortly after. Correct?

10 - As they didn't understand what had happened, there was an autopsy. Apparently, they didn't see the broken bones. This was the reason they initially concluded that he had died as a result of his disease. Correct?

11 - For some reason, it was decided to contact specialists in Idaho (USA) after the autopsy. Why was that?

12 - As it isn't likely that the tiger was transported to Idaho, it is assumed they sent X-rays. Correct?

13 - The Americans concluded that the tiger had been injured during the struggle with the boar. Although severely injured, the injuries didn't result in his death. He perished as a result of his disease. The cause of death was a lack of oxygen. Correct?

14 - Humans suffering from cancer often do not perish as a result of the disease, but as a result of the devastating effects. Not seldom, the disease rapidly spreads, affecting many organs, bones and muscles. Is it possible that the tiger had been affected to such a degree that he was close to complete immobility just before he attacked the boar? Could the disease have resulted in muscle atrophy and fragile bones?

15 - Is anything known about the boar? Age? Weight? 

16 - Was the tiger that featured in this story the only one who suffered from cancer or are more cases known? Reply