A taxonomic revision of the tigers (Panthera tigris) of Southeast Asia

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.

ZusammenfassungTaxonomische Revision der Tiger (Panthera tigris) SüdostasiensUnsere vergleichenden kraniometrischen und kraniologischen Untersuchungen an südostasiatischen Tigern zeigen, dass die Stichproben des Festlands, von Sumatra und von Java/Bali absolut voneinander zu unterscheiden sind. Entsprechend dem phylogenetischen Artkonzept sind drei valide Arten zu benennen: Panthera tigris, P. sumatrae und P. sondaica. Der Balitiger kann als Unterart des Javatigers angesehen werden.