A taxonomic revision of the tigers ( Panthera tigris) of Southeast Asia
Abstract
The taxonomic affinity of Southeast Asian tigers is re-investigated. Specimens of four traditionally recognized subspecies are examined using various craniological methods, including multivariate craniometric and phenetic analysis. Sumatran tigers differ absolutely (100%) from the geographically neighbouring mainland form P.t.corbetti; the Javanese tiger is also 100% distinguishable from the Sumatran. They are therefore regarded as two distinct species ( P.sumatrae, P.sondaica) under the Phylogenetic Species Concept (PSC). The Bali tiger is classified as a subspecies of the Javanese tiger, Panthera sondaica balica.
- Publication:
-
Mammalian Biology
- Pub Date:
- January 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.mambio.2006.02.007
- Bibcode:
- 2006MamBi..71..268M
- Keywords:
-
- Panthera tigris;
- taxonomy;
- skull;
- Southeast Asia