Bhubaneswar: In a major move to attract wildlife lovers to Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), the State Forest Department has decided to start Melanistic Tiger Safari, a first of its kind in the world, in Mayurbhanj district soon.
“Glad to announce that #Odisha is setting up an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in #Mayurbhanj. Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced on X.
The safari will be established near Baripada in the District of Mayurbhanj. About 200 hectares area adjoining NH-18 have been identified for this purpose, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife Susant Nanda.
About 100 Hectares will be display area and the balance area will be utilized for creation of veterinary care facilities including rescue center, staff infrastructure and visitors amenities etc., he said.
The site is about 15 km from Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) , matching the same landscape. It is a known fact that Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only home for melanistic tigers in the wild in the world.
As per the last All India Tiger Estimation Report, published by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018, melanistic tigers have been found in the wild only in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/ orphaned tigers who are not fit for wild but fit for display, shall be housed in the safari in an open enclosure, informed the PCCF.
The safari is set to elevate the wildlife tourism sector in Odisha to new heights. This pioneering attraction shall highlight the State’s commitment to preservation and showcasing its unique biodiversity, he said.
“This initiative will allow conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts and the general public to witness the rare beauty of these majestic creatures up close, while raising awareness about their conservation needs,” Shri Nanda said.
He further informed that the site being located adjoining National Highway and near to Baripada town, is expected to receive impressive footfall of visitors.
Further, it would be an added attraction for visitors coming to Similipal Tiger Reserve. The proposal in this respect submitted by the State Government to NTCA has been accorded “in-principle” approval by the Technical Committee of NTCA, Nanda pointed out.
A committee to be constituted by NTCA shall visit the site for feasibility study before giving final nod by the Authority. Other statutory clearance including CZA approval will be taken, he added.
