Whenever you picture a tiger in your mind, you certainly see stripes!
But did you know that the stripes are an important tool for scientists?? Each tiger has a unique pattern of stripes. They are like a fingerprint for tigers. So researchers who study tigers and keepers who care for tigers in zoos use the stripes to identify each tiger. In this activity, you'll learn to notice key patterns in tigers. WIth practice, you'll be able to identify tigers at your favorite zoo, too! More Examples of Patterns in Tiger Stripes
On this page, take a look at five different tigers to make some comparisons. If you don't know what parts of the face you should notice, return to the first page with it's explanation! Learn to Look at Tiger Stripes!
The photos on this page were taken by CT team member Abbey (Jessup) Mishler in 2020 at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary 
This is Luna! She was not very friendly to most people, but she really seemed to like Abbey, the photographer. She "chuffed" (a call tigers make when they are contented) and let Abbey take some great photos! Compare Luna to the other tigers on this page. Note the differences in the four areas described on the first page!
Make Your Own Tiger ID Notes!
If you have a favorite zoo where you like to see tigers, take some photos next time you visit. Try to get good photos of the tigers' faces. Then you can look at them and record your own identification notes! Look for patterns in the stripes in the same areas of the tiger's face!
Don't forget to ask a keeper or zoo interpreter what the tiger's name is! They are glad to share information with you, and you'll need the name for your notes! Next time you go to the zoo, bring your notes and photos in a notebook or journal. It will help you identify each tiger on your own! If you don't have tigers at a zoo near you, try these live webcams. You may be able to observe a tiger this way! |
More photos of tigers at Black Pine! Notice the DIFFERENCES! 
Top Cat is a large male who likes to talk a lot! Check out the pattern in his eyebrows!
Millie seemed to be having a hard time waking up! See the dark spot above her nose?
Cita was VERY curious about us! Those eyebrow patterns are distinct!
Ticha was also very curious! Her forehead stripes and nose spots stand out.
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