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This rare sighting of a pale tiger in Nilgiris by Bengaluru-based wildlife photographer is turning heads on social media

  • Bengaluru-based wildlife enthusiast and photographer Nilanjan Ray spotted a rare pale tiger in the Nilgiris
  • The color of the tiger's fur is almost white with orange tinges
  • The last time a pale tiger was spotted was back in 1980s in Ranthambore
This rare sighting of a pale tiger in Nilgiris by Bengaluru based wildlife photographer is turning heads on social media

Bengaluru-based wildlife enthusiast and photographer Nilanjan Ray was excited when he spotted a tiger while on a road trip to the Nilgiris. What he realised after a closer look was that the tiger was no ordinary one. The colour of the tiger’s fur was extremely pale in comparison to a typical Royal Bengal Tiger.

Nilanjan, who is an MBA graduate from IIM-Calcutta and has many years of experience in the corporate field, took a break two years ago to pursue his passion for wildlife and nature photography. He has travelled to Himalayas, Kanha, Tadoba, Ranthambore, Corbett and many other national parks and sanctuaries in Central and North India, all via road. 

“I encountered this tiger while driving on a forest road in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with a forest guard. That is where I encountered the tiger,” said Nilanjan.

“When I saw it first it was with another normal tiger. What struck me was that the tiger was almost golden-white in colour but not an albino.”

This rare sighting of a pale tiger in Nilgiris by Bengaluru based wildlife photographer is turning heads on social media

The albino or pure white tiger has been extinct in the wild for close to fifty years. They are only found in zoos and are inbred.
Nilanjan gave the forest department the exact location where the tiger was spotted. The forest department assured him that they would set camera traps and take other necessary precautions. The forest department, however, does not want the exact location of the tiger to be made public to avoid crowding and the possible threat of poachers.

The sightings of such pale tigers have been extremely rare. Nilanjan consulted Sanctuary Asia and Belinda Wright, a renowned conservationist, a tiger expert and Emmy Award-winning wildlife documentary filmmaker who worked with National Geographic for many years.

“Belinda said that she had seen a similar tiger in the 1980s in Ranthambore.  But this tiger looked a lot paler. She stated that this tiger is perhaps the palest Royal Bengal Tiger she has seen,” said Nilanjan.

This rare sighting of a pale tiger in Nilgiris by Bengaluru based wildlife photographer is turning heads on social media

The experts also concluded that the tiger must be a sub-adult. Regarding this unique colour of the tiger, Nilanjan consulted Dr Parvish Pandya, a zoologist and expert consultant with Sanctuary Asia. 

Dr Pandya says that the unique colour is due to colour morphism, which happens due to genetic variation. He says that multiple genes control skin colour and the fur coat in mammals and that random mating and varied genetic recombinations have resulted in this very rare and pale coloured tiger.

Nilanjan says that he will continue with his road trips and pursue his passion for wildlife and nature photography.

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