Why Did the Caspian Tiger Go Extinct?

Though habitat loss and human hunting drove this tiger subspecies to extinction, its Central Asian home may support another subspecies of tiger soon.

By Sofia Quaglia
Nov 10, 2023 3:00 PM
An antique black and white photograph of the extinct Caspian tiger that lived in Central Aisa, measuring about 10 feet and 530 pounds.
Caspian tigers weren't small by any measure. Maxing out at around 10 feet and 530 pounds, they dominated the terrain of Central Asia, until, suddenly, they didn't. (Credit: Ilbusca/Getty Images)

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The Caspian tiger's (Panthera tigris virgata) story is a tragic tale. Once a dominant predator of Asia's diverse landscapes, its disappearance testifies to the darker sides of agricultural development. And though its demographic traits distinguished it as a unique subspecies within the tiger family, those traits didn’t last long, and the cat was lost to extinction in the late 20th century.

So, why don't we see any of these tigers in the world today?

What Was the Caspian Tiger?

With a wide habitat range and remarkable size, the Caspian tiger was once a majestic feline that roamed through the marshes and meadows of Central Asia. 

Where Did the Caspian Tiger Live?

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