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.
04-16-2014, 11:49 PM( This post was last modified: 11-28-2015, 04:32 PM by peter )
02 - EVOLUTION (continuation)
Palawan
Guate's overview of the evolution of the tiger is the most extended and comprehensive overview I read. Although it probably explains the presence of tigers in Japan and Palawan (Philippines), one would like to read a bit more on the circumstances that resulted in the extinction of tigers on those islands.
It is known that mammals living on islands adapt over time in getting smaller (as a general rule), but the causes of extinction are not well understood. Sumatra also is an island and still has tigers. Java and Bali, like Sumatra, would have had tigers today if it hadn't been for humans. But there are humans on Sumatra as well and Hokkaido and Palawan also had humans. Same for Borneo and, possibly, Shri Lanka (skulls and bone fragments of big cats were found on Shri Lanka in the recent past). My guess is more remains of big cats will be found on some islands in south-east Asia in the near future. There had to be other factors that resulted in the extinction of big cats on these islands, that is.
Anyhow. This abstract of a study I, unfortunately, didn't read, proves tigers inhabited Palawan: