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.
(10-16-2019, 06:11 AM)BlakeW39 Wrote: Indeed, which is why I find that weight ranges are most effective. For example if I say male Bengal tigers weigh, on average, [for example] 482lbs, that may or may not be correct, but if I say that tigers between 200-210kg are 'normal' then it would be accurate. The same would be true for other large animals like lions and bears.
I do think that if a 'general' number is given then it's fine. Averages are all relative.
You have a point here, average figures are relative and remember that we work with the few available data which do not cover the entire tiger populations. Also old records invariably include young/old/sick specimens, something that modern records did describe and explain.
About ranges, also are relative. Check that Mazák says that adult male tigers in India/Nepal weigh between 180 - 258 kg, Sunquist say that are between 200 - 260 kg and Karanth says that male tigers in "South Asia" (including the Indian subcontinent and also the north part of Indochina) weigh between 175 - 260 kg. Finally Jhala now says that male tigers over 3 years old weight between 200 - 260 kg, matching with Sunquist in this point.