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

[GuateGojira]

(10-03-2015, 08:30 PM)peter Wrote: AMUR TIGER SIZE

After the debate on methods was concluded recently, the question is how long Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) really are. The method used to measure them is a new one and the results, I think, can't be compared to measurements taken 'between pegs'. It seems to be close, but not quite. Based on what I read and my experience with measuring, I would deduct 1-3 inches for now. This means males would average not 294 cm. in total length, but about 287-291 cm. 'between pegs' (and 185-190 cm. in head and body length). I didn't find any reason to adjust the weight Guate mentioned (about 190 kg. or 420 pounds). Could be a bit more, as Miquelle thought males average 430 pounds.   

Well, it is fair to remember that only three tigers had stomach content during its capture, at least this is what the reports showed. This means that over 90% of the other specimens had little or no stomach content (let's remember that Amur tigers eat less often, because of they low prey base). So, the figure of 190 kg for males and 121 kg for females stand.

Now, on the size side, I think it is unfair to discard the measurements presented by the Siberian Tiger Project. Although the email of Dr Miquelle suggest that some press was made on the tape, that was probably minimum and just to sustain the tape, not pressing on the curves to enlarge the size like the old hunters. Check this image again:

*This image is copyright of its original author

They do press the tape but just to sustain it as they are following the contour. At the end, they measured the straight line between the nose to the root of tail. I have found an article in the JBNHS write by Hugh Murray, that suggest the use of a very similar technique and the result is just a difference of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) between this method and that one "between pegs". Check it:

*This image is copyright of its original author

So, in this case, the "corrected" total length "between pegs" of the male Amur tigers would be about c.290 cm and a head-body of c.190 cm, still similar to the Bengal tigers.

Is important to not ignore the fact that scientists are not measuring the animals to found "record specimens", so there is no reason to press the tape the same number of times like the old hunters, Dr Miquelle state it clearly, read the email again. Reply