Large cat species, ___ tiger (6) Crossword Clue
Answer:BENGAL (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Large cat species, ___ tiger" with 6 letters is "BENGAL". The Bengal tiger is a large cat species native to the Indian subcontinent, known for its striking orange coat with black stripes, immense strength, and status as one of the most iconic and endangered big cats in the world.
Why “Bengal” Fits
The clue asks for a 6-letter word that completes “___ tiger” and represents a “large cat species.” The answer, BENGAL, fits perfectly:
- Large cat species: The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a subspecies of tiger found across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, and is one of the largest and most iconic cats in the world.
- Clue completion: “Bengal tiger” is the common name used in wildlife references and media, immediately identifying the species.
This direct definition matches the clue’s reference to both a big cat and the classic phrase.
The Bengal tiger has a prominent place in natural history and conservation:
- State animal: It is the national animal of both India and Bangladesh and often considered a symbol of strength and beauty.
- Habitat: Bengal tigers are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps like the Sundarbans.
- Conservation: It is classified as endangered, with major efforts underway to protect its shrinking wild population.
- Appearance: The Bengal tiger is known for its striking orange coat with black stripes and is larger and more robust than most other tiger subspecies.
The term “Bengal” naturally bridges the clue’s requirements for a specific big cat and for fitting the familiar phrase “Bengal tiger.”
In quick crosswords, clues like “___ tiger”:
- Point to familiar phrases or common animal names (“Bengal tiger,” “Siberian tiger,” etc.).
- The letter count (6) helps narrow the choices—Siberian does not fit, but “Bengal” does.
- When a specific adjective is required for a species, clues usually use the region or standout trait (here, “Bengal” for both place and species).
Spotting the animal and the hint about its habitat or region helps quickly guide you to “Bengal.”