"Concerns Rise as Rare 'Golden' Tiger Spotted in India"

A rare "golden" tiger, the result of a genetic mutation, was photographed in India's Kaziranga National Park, raising concerns about inbreeding in isolated tiger populations. Conservationists worry that the appearance of these tigers could be a symptom of inbreeding, which may lead to physical ailments and genetic mutations that weaken the tigers' defense against diseases. The unusually high number of golden tigers in the park is indicative of an isolated population, highlighting the need for better habitat connectivity and land use practices to protect the tiger population from threats such as poaching and habitat degradation.