Golden Tiger
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TOI
Context: A rare golden tiger, also known as a golden tabby tiger, was recently sighted and photographed in Kaziranga National Park, Assam
About Golden Tiger:
• What it is: Golden tiger or “golden tabby” is a rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger, not a separate subspecies.
• Location: Only four are known in the wild, all found in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
• Scientific Reason: Caused by a mutation in the wideband gene that extends reddish-yellow pigment production (pheomelanin). Both parents must carry the mutated gene for the golden color to appear. Color is harmless, but inbreeding may cause genetic weaknesses.
• Caused by a mutation in the wideband gene that extends reddish-yellow pigment production (pheomelanin).
• Both parents must carry the mutated gene for the golden color to appear.
• Color is harmless, but inbreeding may cause genetic weaknesses.
About Kaziranga National Park:
• Location: Situated in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, at the edge of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Water Body: Nourished by the Brahmaputra River and several tributaries.
• Features: Home to 2,200+ one-horned rhinoceroses — nearly 2/3rd of global population. Kaziranga Park is home to world’s largest population of Indian Rhinoceros. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 due to rising tiger numbers. Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Rich flora includes elephant grass, rhododendrons, cotton tree, and aquatic plants.
• Home to 2,200+ one-horned rhinoceroses — nearly 2/3rd of global population. Kaziranga Park is home to world’s largest population of Indian Rhinoceros.
• Kaziranga Park is home to world’s largest population of Indian Rhinoceros.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 due to rising tiger numbers.
• Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
• Rich flora includes elephant grass, rhododendrons, cotton tree, and aquatic plants.