Here's a breakdown:
* Bengal Tiger: The Bengal tiger is a subspecies of tiger native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. They are known for their distinctive orange and black stripes.
* White Fur: The white fur is caused by a recessive gene that results in a lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which gives tigers their orange color.
* Leucism vs. Albinism: White Bengal tigers are not albino. Albinism results in a complete lack of all pigment, making the eyes pink and the skin very sensitive to sunlight. Leucism, the condition that causes white Bengal tigers, results in a reduced amount of pigment, but not a complete absence. This means that white Bengal tigers still have some pigment in their stripes, eyes, and skin, and are not as sensitive to sunlight as albinos.
Important Notes:
* Rarity: White Bengal tigers are extremely rare, with estimates suggesting they occur in less than 1% of the Bengal tiger population.
* Conservation: Like all tigers, white Bengal tigers are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
* Ethics: Some people believe that keeping white Bengal tigers in captivity is unethical because they are bred specifically for their unique appearance.
In summary, the term "white Bengal tiger" refers to a rare genetic variant of the Bengal tiger that has white fur due to a lack of pigment. They are not albino, but rather leucistic, and are considered endangered.