 Scientific name: Panthera tigris  Largest of the cat family.  Six living subspecies.  Distinct and individually unique black/orange stripes.  Carnivorous hunters.  Solitary animals.

 There are thought to be between 5,000 and 7,000 tigers left in the wild.

 Poaching is the illegal killing of a protected species, like the tiger.

 For their skins, that can be sold for money.  Tiger bones are used to make medicine that some cultures believe cure disease.  Other body parts are sold because some people believe they have mystic powers.

 Areas where tigers live are being deforested to make way for human population and industry.  Habitat destruction causes a lack of the food supply that tigers need to survive.  Humans encroach on tiger territory and may kill tigers that threaten their villages or livestock.

 Laws are going in effect that make it illegal to kill tigers for money.  Many cultures are now making it unpopular to use tiger body parts for traditional customs.  Maintaining habitat and cutting back on deforestation will ensure tigers have a place to live and hunt.

"All About Tigers." Kids For Tigers. Web. 12 Dec 