How do the captive white tiger numbers compare to the estimated wild Bengal tiger population?

There are roughly 200 captive white tigers compared to approximately 3,500 wild Bengal tigers

A striking conservation paradox is highlighted when comparing the fate of the white tiger variant to its common orange counterpart, the Bengal tiger subspecies. While the last wild white tiger sighting occurred decades ago, there remain approximately 200 white tigers housed in captive facilities globally. In stark contrast, the genuinely wild Bengal tiger population, which conservation efforts strive to protect, is estimated to be significantly larger, numbering around 3,500 individuals spread across various reserves in India. This disparity in numbers emphasizes the argument made by conservationists: resources, attention, and breeding efforts should be predominantly focused on ensuring the genetic diversity and habitat security of the truly wild, endangered orange Bengal tigers rather than sustaining the visually appealing but genetically compromised white line for exhibition.