We’ve seen possible evidence of evolution in action with polar/grizzly bear hybrids in the Arctic, now in Asia a tiger has been spotted that has an intriguing similarity to both Bengal and Siberian tigers.

Not Just the Royals

Pictures of tigers captured on camera trappings challenge the widely accepted fact that the only species of tiger Bhutan is the royal Bengal tiger. Cameras in Jigme Dorji Wangchuk national park (JDWNP) last year captured a tiger different from those normally spotted in the country’s many parks national parks.

Siberian

Nature conservation division’s chief forest officer Dr Sonam Wangyel said that tigers found in JDWNP were stouter, had bushy fur and their facial structure resembled a Siberian tiger of Russia.

“They’re quite small built, compared with their counterparts in the other parks,” he said. Dr Sonam Wangyel wonders what caused their physical differences, which only a genetic analysis could confirm”

“It could be a natural adaptation or probably some level of inbreeding is taking place that may actually lead to genetic depression,” he said. “It could also be associated with their mutation manifested in their appearances.”

In absence of a nationwide tiger survey, Dr Sonam Wangyel said it was difficult to decipher with certainty where the tigers are across the country.

Year of the Tiger

Various conservation programmes are being rolled out this year in an effort to stop the alarming fall in tiger numbers worldwide. WWF’s year of the tiger is seeking to raise awareness of the need for immediate action.

Even if the animals are taking things into their own hands and adapting to harsher circumstances, even these tigers will stuff suffer persecution at the hands of people as a result of beatings or habitat loss. It remains a crucial time if we are not going to see them disappear within our lifetime.

You can help to ensure we do not lose these magnificent animals by adopting a tiger today.