Here's the breakdown:
* White tigers are not a distinct species. They are Bengal tigers with a rare genetic mutation that causes their white fur and blue eyes.
* Bengal tigers are critically endangered. Their population is declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
* White tigers are especially vulnerable. They are often bred in captivity, sometimes for commercial purposes, and the practice can lead to genetic defects and health problems.
Therefore, while the exact number of white tigers in the wild is difficult to estimate, they are still considered endangered due to their reliance on the dwindling population of Bengal tigers.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of both Bengal tigers and their white variants.