Here's a breakdown:
1. Inbreeding:
* Genetic Issues: White tigers are a result of a rare recessive gene mutation. To produce a white tiger, both parents must carry the gene. This means that breeding programs often involve close relatives, leading to inbreeding. This inbreeding causes a high incidence of genetic problems like:
* Health problems: White tigers are often born with deformities, immune deficiencies, and shortened lifespans.
* Reduced genetic diversity: This makes them more susceptible to diseases and less adaptable to environmental changes.
2. Habitat Loss:
* Deforestation and habitat destruction: Tigers, including white tigers, require vast areas of forest for survival. As human populations grow and development expands, their natural habitat is being lost.
* Poaching: Tigers are hunted for their skin and bones, used in traditional medicine. This poaching pressure further threatens their already dwindling numbers.
3. Other Factors:
* Human-wildlife conflict: As human settlements encroach on tiger habitat, there are increasing instances of conflict between tigers and humans. This can lead to retaliatory killings or tigers being driven out of their natural habitat.
* Lack of genetic diversity: Even in captivity, white tigers have a limited genetic pool, making them more vulnerable to diseases and other challenges.
It's crucial to understand that white tigers are not a separate species. They are simply Bengal tigers with a white coat due to a genetic mutation. This means that efforts to conserve white tigers also benefit the overall Bengal tiger population.
Conservation efforts are underway to address these issues, but much more needs to be done to protect both white tigers and their wild relatives.