For Chinese people, an important custom during the Spring Festival is to visit relatives. In the Year of the Tiger, let's take a look at the family tree of tigers, and find out more about their relatives.

The scientific name for a tiger is Panthera tigris, belonging to the family Felidae. 

A bit like a human family, tigers have both close and distant relatives. In this case, animals which share the genus name, Panthera, namely lions, leopards jaguars and snow leopards, are considered close relatives of tigers. Scientists have also found that all species in this genus, excluding the snow leopard, are the only cat species with the anatomical structures to roar.

More About Tiger series:

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this year is the Year of the Tiger! The tiger is a fierce and powerful predator, but do you know anything else about the animal? This series is going to introduce some interesting facts about tigers from different perspectives, including nature, culture and history!

(Cover designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)

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