Don Balke: White Bengal Tiger

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 18.5 by 21 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

Largest of all cats, the tiger is one of the most efficient and deadly predators in the world. Exaggerated hind limbs allow it to leap great distances. Heavily muscled forelimbs and shoulders, coupled with forepaws equipped with long, razorsharp claws, enable the tiger to grab and bring down prey as large as a young rhino. The tiger has powerful jaws, and potentially fatal bites are quickly delivered by long, somewhat flattened canines. A patient solitary hunter, the tiger stalks its prey while concealed in available cover. Crouching, the tiger methodically moves one paw in front of the other as it gradually moves closer to its target. Pausing frequently to raise its head above the foliage and assess its position, the tiger will swing its tail slowly back and forth. Having closed the distance, the tiger gathers itself up and mounts a furious charge -- usually from behind or to the side -- most often reaching its prey within a few bounds and knocking it from its feet. Powerful jaws close around the quarry's throat; death most often results from suffocation. Carrying or dragging its kill to thick cover, the tiger will linger nearby for days and feed until only the prey's skin and bones remain. Despite their incredible hunting skills, tigers are successful with only one stalk in 15. Therefore, the pursuit of food requires most of their time and energy. The tiger faces extinction due to disappearing habitat, poaching and hunting for medicinal purposes.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. Zoo Animals 29¢ Zoo Animals combinantion cover issued Octover 1,1992. |7004087

Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): Sold

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