Bhubaneswar: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife Susanta Nanda is an ace nature lover and wildlife conservator par excellence.
He was determined to set up black tiger safari near Simlipal Tiger Reserve and accordingly PCCF Wildlife left no stone unturned to see that unique initiative comes up in the State.
Now the State Government is all set to start black tiger safari near Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district soon.
Establishment of a melanistic tiger safari in the State will be a groundbreaking initiative and first of its kind globally.
Four black tigers from Nandankanan zoo will be relocated to the dedicated tiger safari zone and the State has received the necessary approval from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Central Zoo Authority (CZA), informed PCCF Wildlife Shri Nanda.
The State Forest Department is waiting for the approval of the Supreme Court, which is also necessary for the project, he said, adding, “We are continuing our preparedness for the tiger safari. Soon after getting approval from the SC, we will start it.”
Maximum of the visitors coming to Similipal were not able to sight tigers as the possibility was less than 1 percent. So, keeping it in view, the Black Tiger Safari will be started there, officials said.
The visitors, who used to return without seeing melanistic tigers, can now enjoy the tiger safari.
This move aims to provide tourists and visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the rare and majestic species found exclusively in Odisha.
Covering an expansive 100-hectare area adjacent to National Highway 18, the chosen site is approximately 10 km away from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, featuring a similar landscape.
The open enclosure will cover about 100 hectares for display purposes, while the remaining area will be utilised for veterinary care facilities, a rescue center, staff infrastructure, and visitor amenities, according to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Notably, Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) stands as the sole habitat for melanistic tigers worldwide.
Out of 30 Royal Bengal Tigers found in Odisha, 27 were located in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). In Similipal, 14 (equal number of male and female) are usual morph tigers and 13 (six male and seven females) are pseudo-melanistic tigers.