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Liger

Liger
Oh the controversial Liger! This Hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tiger is both infamous and condemned. There have been records of these strange creatures dating back over 200 years.

Ligers are the largest of all cats, due to the specific genetics involved in the cross. (It is not, as many claim, a hormonal issues). The largest individual, Hercules, weighs over 900lbs.

Ligers do not appear in the wild. The two species for the most part live in completely separate continents. Most Zoos frown upon the creation of Ligers and hybrids, as they have no conservation purpose, take up a great deal of space, and results in unfit offspring. It is also considered by many to be a simple commercial ploy.

Male Ligers are always sterile, but there is the possibility for females to be fertile. In those cases, it is possible to breed that females to pure tiger and lion males, creating a whole new line of hybrids. But, once again, frowned upon.

IUCN Status : Not Listed
Location : Only created in Captivity
Size : Length up to 11ft, weight up to 900lbs
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Panthera --  Species : leo crossed with  tigris

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