Is white tiger an endangered animal?
White tigers are not a different species or subspecies – they are simply Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) with a genetic condition called leucism, which results in reduced pigmentation. This is not the same as albinism, which is a complete lack of pigment – an albino tiger is all white, with no stripes, and has pink eyes, not blue. All tigers, regardless of subspecies or colour, are endangered due to the actions of human beings. There are fewer white tigers in the wild than normally coloured ones, but that is the natural state of things – leucism is passed on by recessive genes, so there is a smaller chance of white individuals being born, and the condition is generally detrimental to the animal. Few of the few white cubs that are born survive, since their colour makes them stand out to predators – most are killed as cubs. Those that do survive to adulthood have a hard time hunting for the same reason – their colour makes it easier for their prey to see them coming. White tigers
