Data Integration for the General-Purpose Scale of Tiger Cubs Ontogenesis

Abstract

Data on tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) cubs development are presented in the literature mainly by information about basic changes in morphology and physiology (feeding, second dentition, etc.). The scale of tiger cubs’ ontogenesis is proposed here. It is an integrated system of data on cubs’ development based on the data organization and lining them up chronologically, supplied by experimental experience obtained in different conditions and situations. Also the original results of observation tiger cubs in captivity are used. The proposed scale allows to obtain integral representation of tiger cubs postnatal ontogenesis and to predict the results of the stimuli could be used in critical situations instead of natural ones that are necessary at different stages of cubs development but absent in captivity. Besides, the scale can be used for rehabilitation of orphan tiger cubs held in captivity while they are being prepared for releasing to the wild nature.