White tigers possess a recessive gene responsible for their characteristic white color. A single recessive gene cannot produce white fur in tigers. In fact, it requires two such genes received from both the parents for the fur to be white. White tigers are of the same species as their orange counterparts. Also, white tigers are not albinos. These tigers should not be confused with snow tigers too; snow tigers, unlike white tigers don't have stripes on their skin coat. White tigers are bigger in size than orange tigers. The fur of white tigers is pale white; it is lined with chocolate-colored stripes. Eyes of these tigers are blue in color. The length of white tigers ranges from 9-11 feet and they weigh between 400 and 550 pounds. Litter size of these tigers ranges from 1-6 cubs; usually cubs stay with their mother till the age of 2-2.5 years. Deer form the main diet of these tigers. However, they may also feed on wild pigs, cattle, boars and fish. There are many misconceptions among people about white tigers. The facts presented below should throw light on some of the interesting details about these tigers. • Today, it is hard to find white tigers in the wild. Most of today's white tigers are found in captivity. Out of the several hundred white tigers in the world, about 100 are found in India. There is a misconception about white tigers that they originated in Siberia. The logic behind this assumption might be that the snowy environment of Siberia works as camouflage and allows tigers to hide. However, the truth is that white tigers originated in India and the white fur doesn't serve any purpose in hiding in forests. • Most of today's captive white tigers are closely related. Inbreeding is necessary to maintain the recessive gene responsible for the white color. However, the recessive gene may also cause deformities in these creatures. Cleft palate, spine scoliosis, immune deficiency and abnormalities in kidneys are some of the deformities observed in white tigers. • White tigers with a Bengal-Siberian mixed lineage are prone to developing 'strabismus'. It results from visual pathways being routed incorrectly. 'Rewati', a pure breed white Bengal tiger suffered from strabismus. • In the past, white tigers, owing to their distinctive appearance, were used for the purpose of entertainment. Siegfried & Roy, the famous entertainers have used white tigers in their shows. Facial deformities and other health problems observed in the white tiger, 'Kenny' are representative of the problem of forced inbreeding in captive white tigers. • White tigers have a shorter lifespan than orange tigers. Mutated genes are responsible for their short life span. Inbreeding depression is also one of the reasons behind lower life expectancy in these tigers. • White tigers are good swimmers. However, these big cats are not capable of climbing trees. • The few Siberian tigers which possess a white skin coat are those born as a result of breeding with Bengal tigers. • The white recessive gene responsible for pale fur in white tigers is phenotypically expressed in the wild, once in 10,000 births. • The natural habitat of white tigers is not different from that of orange tigers. These big cats are found in deep forests as well as snow-clad regions. Bengal tigers are found in hot and humid areas, while the Amur and Indochinese tigers live in cold regions. • In India, white tigers are mostly found in central and southern regions of the country. One of the earliest sightings of white tigers in India was that of 'Mohan'; this tiger was captured in 1951 by Martand Singh, the king of Rewa; however, Mohan was not the first one to be captured. In December 1915, Maharaja Gulab Singh of Rewa had captured a white tiger. • It is a matter of debate whether white tigers originated in Siberia or India. The chances of occurrence of a white recessive gene in Siberian tigers are low. This is because till date, no Siberian white tiger has been born in captivity. The white tiger is a rare kind of tiger. Today, it is mostly found in captivity. Unlike orange tigers which are on the verge of extinction, the number of white tigers is increasing. However, white tigers are not considered as important as orange tigers from the point of conservation. In fact, it is better not to breed them and put them to the risk of development of deformities.