White tigers are among the rarest and most striking animals found in nature reserves. Their unique white coats, marked with black stripes, and their piercing blue eyes give them an ethereal appearance. White tigers are not a separate species but a genetic variant of the Bengal tiger, resulting from a recessive gene. In the wild, they are incredibly rare due to the difficulty of two carriers of this gene meeting and reproducing.
In nature reserves, white tigers are protected from the threats that have drastically reduced their wild counterparts’ populations, including poaching and habitat destruction. These reserves provide them with expansive territories that mimic their natural environment, where they can roam freely, hunt, and exhibit natural behaviors.
White tigers are also important in raising awareness about tiger conservation. Their unique appearance often draws attention, helping educate the public about the critical need to protect all tiger subspecies. Researchers in reserves use this opportunity to study tiger genetics and behavior, contributing to broader conservation strategies.