In what groups we can divide the Bengal Tiger?

[peter]

PANTHERA TIGRIS TIGRIS - REGIONAL DIFFERENCES 

a - Two subspecies only

Before we start on the differences between tigers living in different regions in India, we have to remember that biologists today distinguish between Mainland tigers and Sunda tigers only. The proposal developed by Pocock in 1929 (8 tiger subspecies), therefore, is out. This to prevent misunderstandings. 

b - Regional differences in India

I've been collecting information on morphology for quite some time now. At the moment, I'm developing a system to get the data to the right place. The question is if there is something like 'a right place' (regions) in India. In order to get to an answer, I went over everything I have. I got to 13 regions.  

c - Regions 

01 - Nepal and northern India.  

02 - Bhutan.

03 - Northeastern India (alluvial plains).

04 - The southeastern part of Assam.  

05 - Bengal.

06 - Sunderbans.

07 - Ranthambore.

08 - Northcentral India.

09 - Southcentral India.

10 - Eastern central India.

11 - Deccan.

12 - Southwestern India.

13 - Southeastern India (north and west of Madras).

d - Additional remarks

Ad 01 - Most tigers in this region live in wetlands or plains (Nepal in particular), but others do not. Both types seem to be somewhat different.
Ad 02 - Referring to the elevated parts of Bhutan.
Ad 03 - Most tigers in this region live in alluvial flood plains, but others inhabit elevated parts of the region.
Ad 04 - Tigers living in this part of Assam could belong to Panthera tigris corbetti. They are definitely different from those in the north.
Ad 05 - Bengal tigers are more or less gone, but there is a lot of information in old books.
Ad 06 - Sunderban tigers are very similar to tigers living in central parts of India, but smaller.
Ad 07 - Ranthambore tigers seem different from those in northern and central India.  
Ad 08 - There are distinct geographical differences between northern, southern and eastern parts of central India. 
Ad 09 - See 08.
Ad 10 - See 08.
Ad 11 - The Deccan is a plateau. Tigers seem a bit smaller than those in central and western parts.
Ad 12 - The Western Ghats can be divided into several distinct parts. Some of these produced large tigers. Others did not.
Ad 13 - Although tigers are largely gone in this region, they were described in old books written by hunters.   
       
e - To finish the post

- The distinction above is largely based on length and weight. There are more criteria. Anyone with good info is invited to post it in this thread.

- We could limit the number of regions. Anyone able to help out is invited to do so. 

- I was thinking of adding a good map of India, but couldn't find one. We need one with altitude, forest cover and human settlements. Reply