Saber-toothed tiger

Despite its name, this animal was not a true tiger, nor was it related to any modern cat

DataBase Center for Life Science (DBCLS)


Saber-toothed tiger

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Despite its name, this animal was not a true tiger, nor was it related to any modern cat

Population

Imagine a cat that was as big as a lion, but had teeth that were twice as long and curved like blades. This was the saber-toothed tiger, one of the most fearsome predators of the ancient world. They lived in North and South America during the Pleistocene Epoch, from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. It had a powerful body, short legs, and a long tail. Its most striking feature was its pair of upper canine teeth, which could reach up to 20 cm (8 in) in length.

The saber-toothed tiger was a social animal that may have hunted in packs and cared for its young. It went extinct around 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most fearsome predators to ever roam the Earth.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Argentina
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Bolivia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Brazil
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Chile
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Colombia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Ecuador
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Guyana
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Paraguay
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Peru
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Suriname
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Uruguay
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago
Venezuela
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 10,000 years ago

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No