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

[peter]

BETTY

Greatest total length of the Hamamatsu zoo tiger

The relation between greatest total skull length and zygomatic width in the Koln zoo tiger is 1,52. Using the scale in the photograph, the conclusion is that the zygomatic width is about 284 mm., whereas the greatest total length is about 431 mm.

In the Hamamatsu zoo tiger, the relation between greatest total skull length and zygomatic width is 1,34-1,35. We know that the zygomatic width is 284 mm. This means that the greatest total skull length should be about 380-383 mm. As 380 is mentioned in the paper, one has to assume that the greatest total length is 380 mm. The projected condylobasal length would be about 335 mm.

Are you sure the translation is ok?

Greatest skull length of the Koln zoo tiger

The photograph used to get to an estimate more or less compares to plate A in the paper on the skull of the Hamamatsu zoo tiger. Using both the scale in the photograph (plate A) and the relation between length and zygomatic width (1,34-1,35), I got to a greatest total skull length of 382-383 mm. 

The paper (I think) says the greatest total length is 380 mm., meaning the error was 2-3 mm. In the Koln zoo tiger, the estimate, using the same method, is 431-432 mm. If we deduct 4-5 mm. (the skull of the Koln zoo is considerably longer), the result is 426-428 mm. My guess is it could be a bit less, because the slope between occiput and rostrum in the skull of the Koln zoo tiger is more pronounced.

Zygomatic width and rostrum width of the Hamamatsu zoo tiger

The Hamamatsu zoo tiger was very old (18) when he perished. The remarkable width of the skull most probably is a result of both age and captivity. The effect of captivity also shows in the canines (not well developed) and the width of the rostrum.

The Koln zoo and the Hamamatsu zoo tiger compared

The Koln zoo tiger. Scale (125 mm.) at the bottom left. Estimated zygomatic width 284 mm. Estimated greatest total length 431 mm.:

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Hamamatsu zoo tiger. Scale (100 mm.) at the bottom right. Zygomatic width 284 mm. Greatest total length 380 mm.:

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply