Tiger

Sounds & Calls

Female Bengal Tiger walking across a track

Female Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Bardiya, Nepal

The Tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest of the cat family and easily recognized by its orange fur and distinctive black stripes. Historically tigers were found throughout much of Asia, but due to hunting, poaching and habitat destruction it is thought tigers have lost an estimated 95% of their former range. Today tigers are found in fragmented populations across the Indian subcontinent, South-east Asia, Indochina, Sumatra and the Russian Far East.  This species is currently considered ‘endangered’ by the IUCN.

What sounds does a tiger make? Tigers make a range of sounds including growling, roaring, moaning and chuffing (prusten). Like other big cats, tigers make loud, powerful roars to advertise their territory and to attract a mate. Depending on the terrain, tiger roars can be heard from several kilometres away.

Listen to examples of tiger roars and sounds below:

Listen to Tiger Sounds

This sample in the video below was recorded in a forest in Nepal and features the typical deep, far-carrying roars of a Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) at night. 

z

Indochinese Tiger – Typical roars at night

 T07SFP This sample features typical roars of an Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) at night. Recorded in Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand.