The tiger has always been considered as one of the greatest predators on Earth. With few natural enemies, the tiger has been both worshipped and feared by humans over the course of history.
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In the 19th and early 20th centuries, fear won out and the tiger was widely hunted which contributed to the progressive destruction of the species. Nowadays, the tiger no longer has the same 'maneater' reputation but the species' survival continues to be in doubt due to other threats which could lead to its extinction.
Certain subspecies of tiger are more endangered than others. Chinese and Sumatran tigers are considered to be in 'critical danger of extinction' by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) whilst Siberian tigers are 'endangered'. The Bali, Caspian and Javan tigers are all considered to be extinct.
