1. Habitat Loss: Bengal tigers, including the white variant, face habitat loss due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture expansion, and urban development. These activities encroached upon and fragment their natural habitats, reducing the available space and resources for the tigers to thrive.
2. Hunting and Poaching: White Bengal tigers have been historically hunted and poached for their unique fur, which is highly valued in the illegal wildlife trade. Their rarity makes them even more sought after by poachers, leading to a significant decline in their population.
3. Inbreeding: Due to their limited population and restricted gene pool, white Bengal tigers are more susceptible to inbreeding. This results in reduced genetic diversity, which makes them more vulnerable to diseases and other health issues. Inbreeding also impacts their reproductive success and overall survival rates.
4. Climate Change: While not a direct cause, climate change can exacerbate the threats mentioned above. Altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and shifting vegetation zones can further disrupt their habitat and impact the availability of prey species.
The rarity and specific genetic characteristics of white Bengal tigers make them particularly susceptible to these threats. However, conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and scientific management of captive breeding populations, are being implemented to protect and preserve this majestic subspecies.