Bhubaneswar: Odisha, a state on India’s eastern coast, holds a unique and vital position in global wildlife conservation as the sole natural habitat for the rare melanistic tiger. These majestic creatures, often referred to as “black tigers,” are not a separate species but a striking color variant of the Royal Bengal Tiger, characterized by their unusually broad and merged black stripes that obscure their orange coat. Their presence is predominantly recorded in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
The melanistic tigers of Similipal owe their distinct appearance to a genetic mutation in the Taqpep gene, which is highly prevalent within this isolated tiger population. This unique genetic characteristic, coupled with the ecological isolation of Similipal from other tiger habitats, has led to a higher incidence of homozygosity for this mutation.
The conservation of these rare tigers is a priority for both the state and the nation, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s consistent emphasis on protecting wildlife in their natural habitats. The Prime Minister has repeatedly highlighted the importance of safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity and has championed initiatives that promote wildlife preservation, including the use of technology and community involvement in conservation efforts. India’s commitment to wildlife is evident in various national programs, including the “Project Tiger and Elephant,” and efforts to enhance genetic diversity in isolated tiger populations, said Union Minister Education, Dharmendra Pradhan in his X Platform.
Odisha has been actively engaged in ensuring the survival and thriving of its tiger population. Similipal Tiger Reserve, one of India’s significant tiger habitats, reported 16 tigers in the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation, with 10 of them being melanistic. The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report further indicated 27 tigers in Similipal, including 13 adult pseudo-melanistic tigers.
Recognizing the global significance of these unique tigers, Odisha is establishing the world’s first Melanistic Tiger Safari near Baripada, close to the Similipal Tiger Reserve. This safari aims to provide an opportunity for visitors to witness these rare creatures up close, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for their conservation needs. The safari will house surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued or orphaned tigers unsuitable for release into the wild.
Beyond the melanistic tigers, Odisha is home to a rich array of wildlife and has numerous protected areas, including Bhitarkanika National Park, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve, among others. Efforts are ongoing to enhance genetic diversity in Similipal’s tiger population through initiatives like inter-state tiger translocation, as recently demonstrated by the successful adaptation of tigresses Zeenat and Yamuna from Maharashtra into Similipal. The recent camera trap evidence of three melanistic tiger cubs with their mother, T-20, in Similipal further underscores the success of habitat management and protection mechanisms.
As India continues its resolute efforts in wildlife conservation, guided by a national vision for a greener and more biodiverse future, Odisha stands as a beacon of hope for the majestic melanistic tiger, ensuring a safe and thriving future for these incredible creatures found nowhere else on Earth.