Reproduction in white tigers is no different from other Bengal tigers.
Here's the breakdown:
* Mating: Male and female tigers will mate during the breeding season, typically between November and April.
* Gestation: The gestation period for a tigress is around 103 days.
* Litter size: A tigress usually gives birth to a litter of 2-3 cubs.
* Inheritance: The white coat color is determined by a recessive gene. This means that both parents must carry the gene for the cubs to inherit the white coat.
It's important to understand that inbreeding is often practiced in the breeding of white tigers, leading to several genetic issues, such as:
* Increased risk of birth defects: This includes problems like skeletal deformities, heart conditions, and immune system issues.
* Lower fertility: White tigers often struggle to reproduce successfully due to weakened immune systems and reduced sperm viability in males.
* Health problems: White tigers are more prone to illnesses and infections due to the negative effects of inbreeding.
Therefore, while the reproduction process itself is similar to other Bengal tigers, the ethical implications of breeding white tigers due to the increased risk of genetic issues are significant and should be considered.