Which big cat is the largest tiger subspecies and is native to the Russian Far East?

The Siberian tiger is the largest tiger subspecies and is native to the Russian Far East.

It is also called the Amur tiger, a name that refers to the Amur River region. Its range includes the Sikhote-Alin mountain system, with smaller numbers historically occurring near the borders of China and North Korea. Thick fur and a substantial fat layer help it survive severe winters.

The Siberian tiger is not a separate species from other tigers; it is a regional subspecies or population within Panthera tigris. Bengal tigers are also very large, but they are generally associated with the Indian subcontinent. Habitat loss, prey depletion, and illegal hunting have all affected the Siberian tiger, although conservation work has helped protect important forests and wildlife corridors.