Detailed Resources On White Tigers
“The Genetic Basis of White Tigers” – Current Biology June 2013
INTERESTING POINTS:
“…we argue that the SLC45A2 A477V (white gene) substitution in the tiger morph is a viable natural pigmentation, and that the white tiger morph is a viable natural genetic polymorphism.
Despite its low frequency, this polymorphism has persisted for at least several hundred years and should be considered a part of the genetic diversity of tigers that is worth conserving.”
“Genetic Diversity of White Tigers and Genetic Factors
Related to Coat Color” – Texas A&M University, Honors
and Undergraduate Research – May 2013
INTERESTING POINTS:
“….we have determined that there is not a significant difference between white tigers and
orange tigers in terms of heterozygosity”
“As a flagship species, the tiger serves as an ambassador for tigers in the wild, as well as
conservation in general. Through increased research we can gain the knowledge necessary
to protect the beloved white tiger and ensure that white tigers are carefully bred using the
management strategy that is genetically based.”
“Subspecies Genetic Assignments of Worldwide Captive Tigers Increase Conservation Value of Captive Populations” Current Biology April 2008
INTERESTING POINTS:
“Conclusions:
Well-managed captive populations of wild animals can assist in public education,
research, and fundraising (S.Christie, personal communication)and have been justified
as a ‘‘genetic reservoir” of their natural counter parts and, thus, insurance against extinction
in the wild.”
“Many Captive Tigers Are of Purebred Ancestry; Finding Raises Their Conservation Value.”
Science Daily – April 2008
INTERESTING POINTS:
“…researchers discovered that many apparently “generic” tigers actually represent
purebred subspecies and harbor genomic diversity no longer found in nature.”
“Save the White Tiger” – Scientific American , October 2014
INTERESTING POINTS:
“The truth is that white tigers are the product of a rare but naturally occurring genetic variant within the wild Bengal population. Even so, the experts’ confusion about the subject has been understandable, given the previous lack of precise information on the white tiger’s genetic roots. It was only last year that our team published the work cracking the mystery at last.”
White Tiger Information Center 