Bengal tiger

Lore & Background

The Bengal tiger is defined by three distinct mitochondrial nucleotide sites and 12 unique microsatellite alleles.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some people believe the white tiger is an albino, but the facts show it is actually a recessive mutant, not a result of albinism. Another common misconception is that the Bengal tiger is a separate subspecies, whereas it is a population of the Panthera tigris tigris subspecies. Additionally, its historical range once extended to the Indus Basin until the early 19th century, a fact often overlooked by those who assume it has always been confined to its current distribution.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Bengal tiger endures as a powerful symbol of national identity, serving as the national animal of both India and Bangladesh. Its survival reflects broader conservation challenges, as protecting this iconic predator helps preserve the diverse ecosystems it inhabits across South Asia.

Reader's Guide

The Bengal tiger is a population of the Panthera tigris tigris subspecies, recognized as the nominate subspecies. Its historical range extended to the Indus Basin until the early 19th century, and it is thought to have been present in the Indian subcontinent since the Late Pleistocene. It is threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation.

It exhibits recessive mutants such as the white tiger and golden tiger, both very rare in nature. Its coat is yellow to light orange with dark stripes, and it has exceptionally stout teeth with canines 7.5 to 10 cm long. The Bengal tiger is the national animal of India and Bangladesh.