What causes the white coloration in white tigers, distinguishing it from albinism?

Leucism caused by a specific genetic quirk involving the SLC45A2 gene

The distinctive white coloration seen in white tigers is specifically caused by a condition known as leucism, not albinism. Albinism is characterized by a total absence of melanin, often resulting in pink eyes. In contrast, leucism is linked to a precise genetic anomaly, identified as a point mutation in the SLC45A2 transport protein gene. This specific mutation interferes with the normal process, preventing the effective expression of pheomelanin, which is the pigment responsible for creating the orange coloration found in standard Bengal tigers. Because leucism only affects certain pigment expression pathways rather than completely abolishing all pigment production, white tigers retain their dark stripes and typically possess characteristic piercing blue eyes, unlike the pink eyes associated with true albinism.