IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Srivastav, A.; Malviya, M.; Tyagi, P.C.; Nigam, P. | |
| Indian national studbook of Bengal tiger (_Panthera tigris tigris_) | |
| 2011 Full Book | |
The first recorded entry of Bengal tiger in Indian zoos was in 1951 when a wild caught tigress was brought into captivity in the private collection of the erstwhile rulers of Rewa, a princely state in Madhya Pradesh. The initial phase of the captive tiger population included wild captures and captive births at Rewa and the transfer of these animals to other zoos. The initial phase was followed by breeding in captivity of tigers at various zoos across the country and inclusions of wild rescued animals. The emphasis was on breeding animals for exhibiting. Fallout of this was the breeding of a large number of white tigers a pseudo albinistic condition. This is induced by the presence of recessive alleles in the animals for coat colour. In free ranging condition the survival of white tigers is poor due to the poor camouflage offered by the white coat colour and black stripes resulting in poor hunting condition. The purpose of a conservation breeding program is to manage captive populations so that they are genetically viable and demographically stable and capable of providing surpluses for restocking/reintroduction if the need arises. In the present edition of the studbook all animals that have the white gene or are of unknown origin have been excluded from analysis and have been placed separately as annexure III and IV. Detailed demographic and genetic analysis has been carried out for animals whose ancestry is known and are not known to carry the recessive gene for pseudo-albinism. White tigers differ from ordinary orange tigers (if a tiger can be referred to as ordinary) in having ice-blue eyes, a pink nose, and creamy white fur with chocolate stripes. White tigers are not albinos; their color is caused by a double recessive allele. White tigers are the product of a highly inbred stock due to the fact that the recessive alleles required for their expression were found in only a select few of the founding stock. Data for compilation of national studbook was collected from 49 zoos in India that are housing Bengal tiger by means of mailed questionnaire survey, personal visits and CZA website. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |