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.
Quote:Some giant captive Amurs are very fit, but they have just reached the prehistoric size.
Exactly.
Anyway...I think that opinion of Peter makes sense. Bengals (especially those from Assam) need raw power, while Amurs need a combination of agility and power. Bengals deal with big buffaloes and even rhinos and elephants, while amurs deal with bears and huge boars...and raw power itself is not enough in fight against such opponents. But when tiger hunts buffalos or smaller rhinos/elephants, he probably doesn't need to be extra agile - strength is the most important factor in a fight against such opponents.
To deal with either requires power and agility. Boars are hunted in India or Assam, same as Siberia.
Gaur or Water Buffalo are both hunted in India which require agility (just watch Raja taking down the female Gaur)
A tiger most likely is not overpowering a rhino or elephant sub adult, they need to be agile to avoid attacks, stamina to maintain long drawn out battles and power to deliver fatal blows or grasp larger opponents for a long time.
Assam tigers are also living a highly more combative life than a Amur (at least now a days) so the idea that Amurs must compete against Bears is negated by the fact that Kaziranga must compete against the highest density of tigers.
Remember, Amur tigers aren't taking on bears larger than themselves, usually, so agility is not a factor, they are usually attacking and preying on smaller bears which is where power will come into play.
For a 400kg class tiger, his athleticism is simply incredible, and look at the size of his forequarter.
There is no gigantism or overweight, but only the raw power and the pure muscle.
Amur and Kaziranga Tigers - Habitat and Prey Analysis
