Why is the white coat generally considered a serious disadvantage for white tigers in their natural habitat?

Answer

It severely compromises their camouflage when stalking prey in varied environments

The primary function of a tiger's natural orange and black striped coat is superb camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the shadows, dappled sunlight, and dense foliage of the forest understory. The white coat, in stark contrast, stands out significantly against the typical green and brown background elements of the jungle. This lack of stealth makes successful ambush predation extremely difficult. Consequently, a white tiger is less likely to successfully ambush prey, increasing the risk of starvation, and simultaneously makes the animal more vulnerable to detection by rivals or threats, which is why these traits offer no advantage and are detrimental to survival in the wild.

Why is the white coat generally considered a serious disadvantage for white tigers in their natural habitat?

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