White Bengal Tiger

Royal, majestic and beautiful, the white Bengal tigers (Panthera Tigris) are slowly depleting in their numbers. The unusual coloration of the white Bengal tiger is what makes them very popular at most zoos as well. These white tigers are also known to be solitary animals. Such white tigers are mostly found on the mainland of Southeastern Asia and the in central and southern parts of India. Sadly, although there were around 8 subspecies of this kind, today, with the result of poaching, only four such species are exist. Read on to know more about these majestic creatures.

Facts about the White Bengal Tigers:
White tigers tend to be larger when they are born compared to their other subspecies. White tigers have a certain genetic condition that eliminates the orange color in their skin, which is seen in other tigers. Apart from the absence of the orange color, some white tigers have very pale stripes, which are hardly visible. Such white tigers without the stripes are called ‘snow white’ tigers.

It is often rumored that white Bengal tigers do not survive in the wild. However, this does not actually hold true. Today, with the result of poaching and such other illegal activities, white tigers are bred in captivity. The body parts of the white Bengal tigers are most sought after for their use in medicine and exotic cuisine. If not a part of cuisine, the white Bengal tigers are unfortunately killed, for their coats as well.

The measurements of the white Bengal tigers largely depends on the subspecies; the length can be up to 9 feet and the length of the tail can itself be 3-4 feet long. The white tigers have round blue eyes and these also have better night vision due to the retinal adaptation, which reflects light back into the retina. Like all members of the cat family, the white tigers also have retractable claws and these are used to scratch trees as a way to mark their territorial boundaries. The stripes on the body of the tigers help the body to be camouflaged better in the wild. Another interesting fact about tigers is that the pattern of the stripes is never the same for any tiger. Like every fingerprint which is different for most humans, the stripes differ in tigers as well.

The white Bengal tiger is known to be a very patient animal whilst stalking the prey. He can wait and watch for hours to make the right move at the appropriate time. It uses its strong jaws to catch the prey by the neck and strangle it to death. As mentioned before, it is their strong sight that helps them to hunt successfully even at night. White Bengal tigers are also known to be great swimmers; though not very good climbers.

Being solitary animals, the only social interaction is during the courtship period and the association between the mother and the child. The females are extremely protective about their cubs and look after them with great care till they are about 2 ½ years old. Tiger cubs are born blind and at birth, they weigh only about 2 to 3 pounds. These require milk for about 6 to 8 weeks. The cubs begin with their own kills only when they turn about 18 months of age. Prior to this, the mothers take the cubs along with them for the kills, so that they get a feel of the actual hunting process.