The Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger are amongst the most majestic creatures out there in the wild and the biggest in the cat family. Both of them represent raw power, natural beauty, and intelligence in a way that showcases a lot about how the wild jungles operate.
I have been on numerous wildlife trips across Indian National Parks and have had multiple encounters with the Bengal Tiger. These tiger sightings always fascinate me, and I do my best to capture the raw moments of these wild encounters.
Not only that, over the past 10 years, since I developed my passion for wildlife exploration, I have learnt a lot about these wild creatures and their behaviour too. I understand why it’s of utmost importance to be aware of their endangered status, and we all should try our best to lead the wildlife conservation efforts so that their population doesn’t decline. I also have a YouTube channel called “Jungle Revives by Shishir” where I post these tiger stories and explain my full safari experience. You should definitely check that out.
So moving on, in this blog I will be diving deep into the primary difference between Bengal tiger and siberian tiger. I will be reflecting on their various aspects and why both are special in their own unique way. Both of these are among the most endangered tiger species and are slowly declining in total population.
Table of Contents
Comparing the Siberian Tiger vs Bengal Tiger
The overall comparison has been done based on factors like general facts, species distribution and habitat, physical characteristics, habitat adaptations, diet and hunting style, range and territory, reproduction, lifespan and size, predator and competition, temperament and behaviour, and conservation status.
So let’s explore each one of these in detail.
General Facts about the Two Largest Tiger Species
Both the siberian tiger and bengal tiger come under the category of the biggest tiger in the world. They are considered the most dangerous predators and are found in Asia.
The Bengal tiger is known by the scientific name Panthera tigris tigris, and is mostly found in geographical areas covered by tropical forests and grasslands. Jim Corbett National Park is the biggest example where you would spot a lot of Bengal tigers. Their total population is approximately 3500+, and they are highly prone to poaching activities and habitat loss due to human commercialization activities.
On the other hand, the Siberian tiger is called by the scientific name Panthera tigris altaica. It’s most found in Cold birch or coniferous forests, as that is their primary habitat for existence. Approximately, their total population is less than 500, and they too are highly prone to poaching and encroachment activities.
Species Distribution of Siberian Tiger vs Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is mostly found in South Asia in countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. On the other hand, the Siberian Tiger is found in regions like East Russia, China, and North Korea. While the Bengal tiger is considered endangered, the Siberian tiger is tagged as critically endangered.
The Bengal tiger species experiences a diverse set of weather conditions, like summer, winter, and monsoon. While the Siberian tiger population is prone to the colder and harsh weather of the mountainous regions, this makes them resilient and strong.
So, when it comes to Bengal tiger vs Siberian tiger, both of these are being pushed to the brink of extinction.
Physical Characteristics of Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger
Both these tiger species are known for their strength and power, but their appearance reflects the environment in which they live.
The Siberian tigers have adapted to colder and freezing climates, due to which they have a thicker and pale brown or golden fur coat. They have perfectly evolved to survive in snow-covered forests and overall show great robustness.
On the other hand, the Bengal tiger species has a yellow/orange fur coat with dark stripes blending perfectly throughout their body. They are designed to survive in tropical forests and grasslands, and their body appearance makes them a perfect fit for the South Asian demography.
Male Bengal tigers have a length of 270-310 cm and weigh between 397-569 pounds. Females, on the other hand, have a length of 240-265 cm and can weigh between 220-350 pounds.
For the Siberian tiger species, the males have a length of 250–396 cm and weigh approximately 475–660 pounds. Similarly, the females have a length of 167–182 cm and weigh around 303 pounds.
The stripe colour on the Bengal tiger is either black or brown. But the stripe color is black on the siberian tiger.
The skull length of siberian tiger and bengal tiger is 406 mm and 376 mm, respectively.
Habitat Adaptations of Bengal Tiger vs Siberian Tiger
Bengal tigers are best suited for warm climates, and their bodies are slim with vivid coats. This enables them to become camouflaged in lush green environments and enables them to hunt more effectively. But, the Siberian tigers have thicker fur that retains heat and are best for snow-based climate.
Diet and Hunting Style of Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger
Both tiger species are best at hunting and are some of the most dangerous predators. The Bengal tiger mainly hunts for animals like Chital, Sambar Deer, Normal Deer, Buffalo, Gaurs, and Nilgai species. On the other hand, the Siberian tiger hunts for Sika deer, elk, moose, bears, and boar to fulfill their diet.
For the Bengal tiger, it’s easy to hunt and fulfill their dietary needs by covering a small area as hunting ground. But for the Siberian tiger, their food availability is scarce as they have to hunt over larger areas to find the perfect prey they can kill and consume.
Range and Territory of Siberian Tiger vs Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger encounters a greater prey density as compared to the Siberian tiger. Therefore, the territorial size of the Bengal tiger is significantly smaller in size as compared to the Siberian tiger.
The typical range of a Bengal tiger’s territory can fall between 80-90 sq. miles, while that of the Siberian tiger can go as high as 2500-4000 sq. miles of geographical area.
The main reason is climate and the availability of food and water supply. Both tiger species have a solitary nature, and they prefer staying in their own space rather than moving in groups.
Reproduction Dynamics in Bengal tiger vs Siberian Tiger
When it comes to reproduction and producing offspring, both of these tiger species have some similarities and differences.
The similarity is that the litter sizes of both siberian tiger and bengal tiger are between 2-4 cubs.
But when it comes to weight, the Bengal tiger cub weighs roughly 1.6 kgs when newborn, while the newborn Siberian tiger cub weighs 1.2 kgs. The mating season of the Bengal tiger is during the autumn season, which is roughly during October and November. But for the Siberian tigers, they breed all year round.
How long do each of these Tiger Species live?
The Siberian tiger lifespan, which lives in the wild, can be between 15 to 18 years. Similarly, for the one living in any form of captivity may extend to 25 years. On the other hand, the Bengal tiger’s lifespan is also the same.
Predators and Competition of Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger
When it comes to natural face-offs in the wild, both these tiger species have some strong competitor with whom they fight regularly to show their dominance and hunt them for food. They are large carnivorous animals and are always on the lookout for the perfect hunt.
Crocodiles, wolves, bears, and wild dogs are some of the animal species with which the Bengal tigers have occasional faceoffs. On the other hand, bears and wolves are the major competitors of Siberian tigers due to the weather and geography they live. The Bengal tiger is a more aggressive tiger species, while the Siberian tiger is a generally less aggressive yet dominating species.
Behavioural Characteristics of Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger
When it comes to the behaviour of these two tiger species, they are both loners and territorial in nature. Both these tigers can be aggressive regarding their territory, but the Bengal tiger is the more aggressive one. The Bengal tiger is more active in showing defensive resistance in case of danger, while the defensive instinct of the Siberian tiger is at a moderate level due to their sheer size and body structure.
Last But Not Least, Both These Tiger Species Are Prone To Threats
Whether it’s the Bengal tiger with a yellow-orange coat having black or brown stripes, or the giant Siberian tiger with back stripes. Both of them are in danger due to activities like poaching and habitat loss. The Siberian tiger faces additional threats from the fur trade and shrinking territorial range due to man-made threats.
It’s highly urgent to deploy tiger conservation measures so that we can save the remaining population of both these species and prevent them from extinction. The Siberian tigers are significantly lower in population and need critical measures that can save their tribe. On the other hand, the Bengal tigers also come under the highly endangered species of animals and we must protect them at all costs.
Concluding the Differences between Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger
| Factor | Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) | Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) |
| Geographical Distribution | East Russia, China, North Korea | India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan |
| Habitat Type | Cold birch and coniferous forests | Tropical forests and grasslands |
| Population Estimate | Less than 500 (critically endangered) | Around 3,500+ (endangered) |
| Coat and Color | Thicker, pale brown or golden fur with black stripes | Yellow/orange coat with black or brown stripes |
| Skull Length | 406 mm | 376 mm |
| Male Length | 250–396 cm | 270–310 cm |
| Female Length | 167–182 cm | 240–265 cm |
| Male Weight | 475–660 pounds | 397–569 pounds |
| Female Weight | Around 303 pounds | 220–350 pounds |
| Heaviest Recorded Weight | 465 kg (captivity) | 389 kg (wild) |
| Longest Recorded Length | 12 ft 9.5 in | 11 ft 1 in |
| Climate Adaptation | Cold, snow-covered regions; thick fur retains heat | Warm, humid climate; slim body aids camouflage |
| Diet | Sika deer, elk, moose, bears, boar | Chital, deer, buffalo, gaurs, nilgai |
| Hunting Style | Hunts over large areas due to the scarcity of prey | Hunts in smaller territories with dense prey populations |
| Territorial Range | 2,500–4,000 sq. miles | 80–90 sq. miles |
| Nature of Territory | Solitary, large roaming zones | Solitary, smaller but dense hunting grounds |
| Litter Size | 2–4 cubs | 2–4 cubs |
| Cubs’ Birth Weight | ~1.2 kg | ~1.6 kg |
| Mating Season | Year-round | Autumn (October–November) |
| Lifespan (Wild) | 15–18 years | 15–18 years |
| Lifespan (Captivity) | Up to 25 years | Up to 25 years |
| Main Competitors/Predators | Bears and wolves | Crocodiles, bears, wolves, wild dogs |
| Temperament | Less aggressive but powerful and dominant | Highly aggressive and territorial |
| Behaviour | Calm, defensive at moderate levels | Highly defensive and active in territory protection |
| Conservation Status | Critically endangered | Endangered |
| Major Threats | Poaching, fur trade, habitat encroachment, shrinking range | Poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a Bengal tiger eat?
The Bengal tigers are primarily dependent on a meat-based diet, which they gather by hunting animals like sambar deer, normal deer, wild pigs, birds, fish, and much more. They are capable of consuming 40-50 kgs of meat in one go.
Do Siberian tigers have black stripes?
Yes, the stripes present on a Siberian tiger are black in colour, and that makes them a distinct feature in differentiating them from the Bengal tiger. The Siberian tigers have a more spread-out pattern of stripes, which allows them to camouflage easily. Just like humans have unique fingerprints, each Siberian tiger has a unique stripe pattern.
What measures can facilitate the conservation of the Siberian tiger and Bengal tiger Species?
Anti-poaching and law enforcement, habitat protection and restoration, community engagement, reducing illegal wildlife trade, promoting sustainable practices, reducing human tiger conflicts, and deploying technology to the fullest extent possible are some of the fundamental measures that can help in tiger conservation for both species.
Which is the heaviest and longest recorded Bengal Tiger and Siberian tiger?
In terms of their body weight and size,
- The heaviest recorded Bengal tiger weighed 389 kgs who was living in the wild jungles of India. While the heaviest Siberian tiger tills date weighed 465 kgs and was living in captivity.
- The longest recorded Bengal tiger was 11 ft 1 inch in length, while the longest Siberian tiger recorded had a length of 12 ft and 9.5 inches.
What noises do Siberian Tigers make?
They make a variety of noises like moaning, roaring, hissing, and growling.
