White tiger

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White tiger refers to a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger, which is reported in the wild from time to time in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and especially in the former State of Rewa. However, there is no documented case of a white tiger in the wild as of the last century in other subspecies of tigers. White tigers are distinct for their creamy white pelage marked with black or dark brown stripes and blue eyes.

Genetics

The unique coloration of white tigers is due to a recessive gene that affects the production of pheomelanin, which is the pigment responsible for the orange color of the Bengal tiger. When two tigers that both carry the unusual gene for white coloring mate, there is a 25% chance of their offspring being a white tiger. These tigers are not albinos; true albino tigers would completely lack pigment, resulting in white fur and pink eyes. Instead, white tigers have blue eyes and may have a faint orange color in their fur.

History

The earliest recorded sighting of a white tiger in the wild dates back to the 1500s in India. The Maharaja of Rewa captured the first living white tiger in modern times, an animal named Mohan, who is considered the progenitor of most white tigers in captivity today. Due to the rarity of the white tiger gene, captive breeding programs have been established to conserve their numbers. However, this has led to controversy regarding the ethics of breeding animals that may suffer from health issues due to the genetic bottleneck and inbreeding required to maintain their white coat.

Conservation and Ethics

White tigers are not a separate species and thus do not have a conservation status of their own. They are, however, used as a flagship species in zoos and circuses to draw public attention to the plight of tigers in the wild. The breeding of white tigers in captivity has been criticized by animal rights organizations and conservationists due to the health problems associated with inbreeding, such as cleft palates, scoliosis, and mental impairments. There is a growing movement within the conservation community to focus on the conservation of tigers in the wild rather than the propagation of white tigers in captivity.

In Culture

White tigers have a significant place in culture and mythology, particularly in India where they are associated with the warrior goddess Durga. They are often depicted in art and literature as symbols of strength and beauty. The fascination with white tigers extends to popular culture, where they have been featured in books, movies, and television shows, often portrayed as rare and mystical creatures.

See Also

• Bengal tiger
• Tiger conservation
• Genetic variation
• Albinism in animals