There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Peter,
I respect a lot your commentaries but there are some things that I do not understand.
We have now many confirmed weight of many wild Bengals and almost all of them - I think Gabbar, from Tadoba, is the only exception - easily crossed the 200kg barrier . For example, T-24 from Ranth was 240kg, subadult Bheema from Kanha was 225kg, etc. The list is long and I believe you have already seen it in Wildfact. So, tigers nowadays must be considerably bigger than before .
Do you have some data comparing South and Central tigers ?? South reserves are very good, with nice prey density, why South tigers should be smaller ?? Is there any genetic explanation ? In my opinion, Central and South are equal and they might have a minimum average of 215-220kg, North 225-230kg and Northeast still bigger and stronger. Assam tigers look to be absolutely monsters !!!
I still believe that there are some very large Siberians. Many captured animals were injured or sick. In the last russian census the scientists saw some very big footprints. I would not be surprised at all if wild Siberians in their prime are still as heavy as wild Bengals.