WaleedThe south china tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is a pure carnivore. It’s a large cat which is why it preys on medium-sized to large animals. As is typical of a tiger, the south china tiger likes to eat ungulates. It would consume large animals such as wild pig, gray langur, muntjac, and hog deer. South china tigers also feed on peafowls, porcupines, and hares.
South china tigers also preyed on sambar, serow, and tufted deer. They used to hunt just as other tigers do. South china tigers were ambush hunters. They hide into the bush and try to approach the prey either from behind or from the side. Tigers usually get closer to their prey on lighter steps inasmuch as they possibly can. Then they go for the final strike—grasping the animal’s throat. South china tigers would consume as much as 40 – 88 pounds a day.
Scientists believe that south china tigers are functionally extinct in the wild habitat. Therefore there is no chance to observe tiger’s diet in the wild—not anymore at least. Before they had become extinct, they started preying heavily on domestic animals possibly because humans began to occupy tiger’s native habitats.
References
Bagchi, S.; Goyal, S. P.; Sankar, K. (2003). “Prey abundance and prey selection by tigers (Panthera tigris) in a semi-arid, dry deciduous forest in western India”. Journal of Zoology. 260 (3): 285–290. doi:10.1017/S0952836903003765.
Wegge, P.; Odden, M.; Pokharel, C. Pd.; Storaasc, T. (2009). “Predator–prey relationships and responses of ungulates and their predators to the establishment of protected areas: A case study of tigers, leopards and their prey in Bardia National Park, Nepal” (PDF). Biological Conservation. 142: 189–202. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2008.10.020.
