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.
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.
