The Malayan tiger is a gorgeous breed that lives in the rainforest of the Malay peninsula. It is actually one of the nine subspecies of tigers left on Earth. Yet, many do not realize this tiger is on the verge of extinction, with less than 200 Malayan tigers left. Let’s learn all about the Malayan tiger, to help spread more awareness of this magnificent and endangered species. 
- The Malayan Tiger was misidentified for years.
- But not everyone calls these cats Malayan tigers.
- Malayan Tiger cubs are born blind.
- This big cat is a critically endangered species.
- These tigers have a 50% chance of survival at birth
- The Malayan tiger can even hunt elephants.
- They’re excellent swimmers.
- Sadly, this mighty cat’s biggest threat is humans.
The Malayan Tiger was misidentified for years.
For years, many thought the Malayan tiger was the Indochinese tiger (or Panthera tigris corbetti.) In 2004, DNA testing revealed that these tigers are their own species – the Panthera Tigris Jacksoni, or Malayan tigers. Like the Indochinese tiger, Malayan tigers live in Southeast Asia. But, they have their own characteristics and, most importantly, do not live outside of the Malay peninsula.
But not everyone calls these cats Malayan tigers.
The Malayan tiger’s local community doesn’t consider Panthera Tigris Jacksoni its official name. Maybe that’s because the term Jacksoni refers to the British tiger conversationalist Peter Jackson rather than the tiger’s origins. Whatever the reason, the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA) identifies the Malayan tiger scientifically as the Panthera Tigris Malayensis, paying homage to its native territory.
Malayan Tiger cubs are born blind.
A fascinating fact about Malayan tiger cubs is that these big cats cannot see until they are 2 weeks old. Although Malayan tigers share this fact with other tiger species, it’s crazy how such a ferocious creature enters the world blind!
This big cat is a critically endangered species.
Malayan tigers are very close to extinction. Reports say this tiger lost 97 percent of its population in just 100 years. This is heartbreaking. Because of this phenomenon, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared this tiger breed ‘Critically Endangered’ in 2015. This is only one category away from ‘Extinct in the Wild.’ No more than 50 Malayan tigers live in a single habitat. In the wild, there are maybe just 150 Malayan tigers left. Thankfully, many conservation programs are working to protect this tiger and to house and breed Malayan tigers in zoos and other facilities worldwide. Yet, there aren’t more than 80 Malayan tigers currently in captivity. That means there are maybe just 200 Malayan tigers left on earth. 
These tigers have a 50% chance of survival at birth
This already endangered species doesn’t have the best chance of survival from the start. Only half of the Malayan tigers will survive past 2 years old. This is another reason there are more efforts to breed Malayan tigers in conservation facilities, to ensure that these tigers can steer away from extinction and towards maturity.
The Malayan tiger can even hunt elephants.
These tigers are very skilled hunters. They typically hunt at night, preying on various animals – from Sambar deers, wild boars, goats, and cattle. Malayan tigers are also capable of hunting animals more significant than they are. Malayan tigers can successfully hunt elephants and other large animals, like rhinoceroses. That’s pretty impressive since elephants weigh 12 times more than the heaviest Malayan tiger. 
They’re excellent swimmers.
Given their habitat, Malayan tigers have become quite the swimmers. While most tigers can swim, Malayan tigers actually prefer swimming. Oftentimes, you’ll find them hanging in rivers, lakes, or streams. It’s an excellent way for these tigers to cool off, as temperatures can get quite hot and humid in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia.
Sadly, this mighty cat’s biggest threat is humans.
Despite their size and ferocity, Malayan tigers face threats from humans. This is due to two main factors: forest degradation and illegal poaching. Over the past decades, much of the rainforest in the Malay Peninsula has been converted for palm oil production. This area is a prime habitat for Malayan tigers, pushing them out and leading them only further to extinction. This downsizing of habitat also caused a negative ripple effect. With a shrinking habitat, tigers can’t always find a proper food source. So, some tigers end up on local farms to feast on livestock. This, of course, doesn’t make local farmers happy, making locals less inclined to support the conservation of the Malayan tiger. 
Illegal poaching also threatens Malayan tigers. Many poachers venture to Malaysia from other countries to hunt these majestic tigers for their skin, bones, and other parts. The most common reason for poaching is to supply ingredients for traditional Chinese medicine. To all big cat lovers out there, it’s vital that we educate ourselves on the reality of the Malayan tiger faces. If you want to help make a change, there are plenty of conservation funds to donate to (such as the WWF.) Even the most minor contribution can help save one of the world’s original tigers!
