All things have a story...
The Asian tiger has had a powerful influence on Chinese culture for thousands of years. The Chinese view the tiger as a symbol of power and appreciate its enduring beauty. It is one of the most popular motifs in Asian art, a mythical creature of the zodiac and kung fu fighting styles have been predicated on the tiger’s fighting ways. But in real life, the tiger has not fared well in the modern age, and was even viewed as an enemy by the Chinese not too long ago. The South Chinese tiger, also known as the Xiamen tiger, is a type of tiger found in Southern China. Unfortunately this tiger is also one of the most endangered of all the tiger species with fewer than 20 remaining on Earth. Some animal experts postulate that the South Chinese tiger may become extinct within the next 10 years. The South Chinese tiger is a very important species of tiger because all other tiger species originated from it. This tiger from China is smaller than most subspecies and measures about 7 to 8 feet long from head to tail. The weight of the tiger is approximately 240 pounds and its prey ranges in weight from 30-400 lbs. The stripes of the South China tiger, one of the distinguishing characteristics of this huge cat, are short, broad and spaced far apart. These tigers are 100 percent carnivores and have been known to kill livestock. This breed of tiger can reach speeds of 40 mph or more, but not for long, as its stamina is not as strong as some other animals. South China Tigers are known for their patience and can stalk prey for hours before running them down and killing them with a bite to the back of the neck. This tiger is also dangerous and has been known to attack and kill men in the past. The decline of the South China tiger began in 1959, when communist leader Mao Zedong declared them pests and had their population cut down from several thousand to just 200 in the year 1982. Today they are one of the most endangered species in the world and hunting them is illegal. In Chinese mythology, the tiger is the symbol of power, respect and strength. If a person is born in the year of the tiger, they are generally people of action and lofty goals with a propensity to be in the spotlight.
|