* White tigers are not a separate species. They are a color variant of the Bengal tiger, resulting from a recessive gene. This means they can occur in any Bengal tiger population.
* Most white tigers live in captivity. While some are found in the wild, their numbers are very low due to their rarity and vulnerability.
* Limited tracking and data collection. It's challenging to monitor wild populations of white tigers, especially in remote areas.
However, some estimates suggest that there are:
* Around 200-300 white tigers in captivity worldwide.
* Fewer than 100 white tigers living in the wild.
It's important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual numbers could be higher or lower.
Conservation efforts:
White tigers are considered "critically endangered" due to their small numbers and threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
The focus of conservation efforts is on the Bengal tiger population as a whole, as protecting Bengal tigers benefits white tigers as well.
If you're interested in learning more about white tigers and conservation efforts, organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are great resources.